Book of the Scottish Rite

BOOK OF THE SCOTTISH RITE

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Adopted and authorized by The United Supreme Council of The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Prince Hall Affiliation) for the Northern Jurisdiction of the United States of America and The United Supreme Council of The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Prince Hall Affiliation) for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America

Revision of 1946 INTRODUCTION This Book of the Scottish Rite is the result of a joint undertaking by the United Supreme Councils of the Ancient and Ac- cepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Prince Hall Affiliation) for the Northern and Southern Jurisdictions of the United States of

America. It is a revision of the official ritual from the 40 to the 320, inclusive, heretofore adopted and used by these respective Jurisdictions. This revision is the work of a Joint Committee representing both Supreme Councils. The purpose is to place in the hands of those officers of the subordinate bodies charged with the responsibility of conferring these degrees, a work better adapted to present day requirements. NOTE: This book is the property of the Supreme Council by This book is essentially an abridgment. Drastic innovations have whom it is issued. The officer to whom it is issued must sign and been avoided, and no violence has been done to the philosophy or send to the Secretary General a receipt for the same upon forms to the basic content of the degrees. Neither has ther~e been any furnished for the purpose. Such officer will be held to personal re- fundamental departure from the traditions of the Ancient and Ac- sponsibility for this book as long as his receipt for it is outstanding. cepted Scottish Rite. Allegories have been inLerpolated as additional sections to certain degrees, the better to dramatize the lessons inculcated. The use of these interpolations, however, is optional. While strict adherence to this revised ritual will be obligatory in conferring the degrees, it is contemplated that the older work will continue to be a reference book to which recourse may be had for a fuller exploration of the degrees. A repetition here of certain official statements of the two Su- preme Councils concerned seems advisable: While the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite include the Entered Ap- prentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason; yet, in the United States, all authority over these degrees by Supreme Councils is waived, and they are exclusively administered by the Blue or Sym- bolic Lodges, working under the jurisdiction of Grand Lodges and the representative system. In some other countries, the first three degrees are given in Lodges of Perfection. The degrees conferred under the auspices and authority of these two Supreme Councils of the Prince Hall Affiliation begin with the Fourth Degree—Secret Master. Any regular and worthy Master Mason in good standing and having required residential qualifications is eligible to reception into the Scottish Rite series, beginning with that degree. [3J 4 INTRODUOT [ON The following formula is required in the declaration either of opening or closing an assemblage in the Ancient and 4ccepted Scottish Rite; or in the citation of authority to do any official act: “To the glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe—in the name and under the auspices of the United Supreme Council of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the 33d and last Degree, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (Prince Hall Affiliation) to which this Body owes allegiance, and by virtue of the power invested in me as . . . . I hereby declare,” etc. SECOND SERIES

FIRST SERIES INEFFABLE DEGREES The symbolic degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft or or THZ Companion and Master Mason are conferred in a Symbolic Lodge in the United States, as already indicated, and reference to them ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE here is not deemed essential.

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FOURTH DEGREE—SECRET MASTER The Ineffable degrees are enumerated in the following order: 4. Secret Master; 5. Perfect Master; p. 6. Intimate Secretary; DIACRAM OF LODGE OF PERFECTION 7. Provost and Judge; 8. Intendant of the Building; 9. Elect of Nine; ~‘A I 10. Elect of Fifteen; iv I~iIicZ~ 11. Sublime Elect of Twelve; 12. Grand Master Architect; ~~i1c1’ 13. Royal Arch of Enoch; N47~ 14. Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason.

Unless it is expressly stated to the contrary, the officers of a Lodge ~it~ilcr of the Ineffable degrees are: 4 1. Thrice Potent Master; 2. Deputy Master; ~:~ 3. Venerable Senior Warden; I’.-’F71 I0I m 4. Venerable Junior Wardeu; I—I V [!i 5. Orator; L~J 6. Hospitaler; 7. Treasurer; 8. Secretary and Keeper of the Seal; 9. Master of Ceremonies; I~IIst 10. Captain of the Guard; 11. Organist; 12. Tyler.

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A *~ This degree originated with King Solomon, immediately after the assassination of Hiram Abiff. King Solomon selected seven of ~ dJ the most worthy and expert Brothers from the Craft, and appointed

.4 -Op them guardians of the Sanctum Sanctorum, and of the sacred furniture of the Holy place. They were called Secret Masters, and in due time were advanced to a higher degree, and as vacancies were thus created, others were elected to fill their places. [61 [7~ ¼ 4

S FOURTH DEGREE FOURTH DEGREE 9 DECORATIONS, OFFICERS, CLOTHING, ETC. K OPENING A Lodge of Secret Masters represents the Holy place or Sanctuary of 7’. P.—+ (C. of G. and M. of C. rise.) Brother Captain of the the temple, and is hung in black, strewed with white tears, and contains ‘-4’ 1 Guard, are all present Secret Masters? the brazen layer of water, with napkins and bunch of hyssop; tbe seven- 14 branch candlestick, which is lighted in the East. All the jewels are in C. of 0. examines and reports. erape, as the Lodge is in mourning for the Grand Master, Iliram Abiff. 1~3 The furniture also is draped in black. C: of G.—All present are Secret Masters, Thrice Potent. ~1t 7’. P.—Your station and duty? Within the Lodge is represented the Sanctum Sanctorum of King ~1 Solomon’s Temple, which contains the ark of the covenant, with its +‘4, 4 C. of G..—In the North, to see that the Holy place is duly furniture; the ten golden candlesticks; the tablets of? the law; the altar guarded. of incense; the table of shew-bread; the pillar of beauty, veiled; the 7’. P.—How are we guarded? Enochian pillar; a delta, etc. 4 Before the entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum, are the two brazen C. of G.—By a Secret Master at the entrance to this Holy place. columns; at the door (which must have two leaves) are four small col- 7’. P.—Attend to your duties and inform the Guard that we are umns, to which wires are attached, on which run hangings of four colors— about to open a Lodge of Secret Masters. white, blue, purple and crimson. Over the East is a large circle enclosing three luminous triangles interlaced, forming nine beams, with a blazing C. of 0. stations his guard. star in the center; in the center of the star, a Yod; on the nine points ~t C. of G.—Thrice Potent, your order has been obeyed. of the triangles, the letters E, A, J, J, Y, A, 0, A, H, initials of Eloah, Adonai, Jehovah, Jahve, Yod, Achar, Osee, Alom, and Hagios. 7’. P.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, your place and duty? The Thrice Potent represents King Solomon; is dressed in black 111. of C.—In the North, to see that the brethren are duly clothed; rqbes, bordered with ermine, etc., and holds ~ scepter in his hand. He [9’ to prepare all candidates, and to conduct them to the Holy place. wears a wide blue ribbon from right to left, to which is attached a 7’. P.~4oI.u (Inspector rises.) Brother Adoniram, are you a triangle of gold. On thetable in front of him are the apron, collar, gloves Secret Master? and jewels of this degree, and a white robe; also a wreath of olive and [*1 I 1.—I have passed from the square to the compass extended to laurel. The Inspector (Senior Warden) is seated in the West. He wears a seven degrees. sword, cap, white robe, apron, collar, gloves, and jewel of the degree. 7’. P.—What are you taught as a Secret Master? All the officers are clothed the same as the Senior Warden, with their 1.—The duty of Secrecy and Silence. appropriate jewels. 7’. P.—What is the hour? Officers :—Thriee Potent Master; Inspector (Senior Warden); Master fl’ of Ceremonies; Secretary; Orator; Captain of the Guard; and Tyler. K 1.—The morning star has driven away the shades of niglit, and Clothing :—During a reception, all present except the officers wear tbe great light begins to gladden our Lodge. long black robes, with hood, and white gloves turned over, with black 14 7’. P.—As tbe morning star is the forerunner of the great light at th~’ wrists. which begins to shine on our Lodge, and we are all Secret Masters, Apron:—Triangular shape, white, bordered with black, with blue flap; IW’K it is time to commence our labors. on the flap a golden eye; on the apron the letter Z, within a wreath of ‘A olive and laurel. WI, Collar :—Wide white ribbon, bound with black, at the bottom a black rosette, to which is fastened the jewel. Jewel :—An ivory key, with the letter Z on the wards. Whoso draweth nigh to the contemplation of the Ineffable mys- Hours of Work :—From dawn to close of day. teries should put off the shoes of his worldly conversations; for Battery :—+++++++ the place whereon he stands is holy ground. Set a watch, 0 Jehovah, Moral:—The duty of Secrecy; or, Silence and Fidelity. before my mouth, and keep Thou the door of my lips. t/t’i ~ Brother Adoniram, you will give notice that I am about to open a Lodge of Secret Masters by the sacred number. I 10 FOURTH DEGREE FOURTH DEGREE 11

1.—Brethren, the Thrice Potent is about to open a Lodge of guarding of the Sanctum Sanctorum, and the sacred furniture of Secret Masters by the sacred number seven; give your attention this Holy place. and assistance to the work. T. P.—Brother Adoniram, you were the first made Secret Master, I. P.—To order, my brethren! to you I look for counsel and advice in this matter. MI stand at salute. 1.—Thrice Potent, the Brother has been examined as to his Ma- All applaud +++++++ sonic qualifications, and he is vouched for as being ~veI1qualified Signs of first three degrees. T. P. makes sign of S. M. and worthy for the duties of this Holy place. Answered by all the brethren. T. P:—Such being the case, there being a vacancy, if there is no All salute. objection on the part of the brethren, you will admit ~him among 12. P.—I decIa~e this Lodge of Secret Masters duly opened and the guardians of the Sanctum SancLorum: Are there any objec- in order for business. Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the tions? There being none, Captain of the Guard, let him enter, and Guard. after being conduc~ted seven times around the Lodge for the reading of the lesson, he will be placed in the West.

The M. of C. and candidate enter, and pass around the Lmlge se~ezi times, RECEPTION the following lesson being read by the Thrice Potent and Inspector; music and p The Candidate is dressed in white (as a Levite), clothed as a Master Mason, chant as indicated. ~—-—-——..-~ bare legged, slip-shod, and is conducted to the entrance by the Master of Cere- monies, who gives the alarm ~ LESSON

T. P.—The Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God C. of G.—Brother Inspector, there is an alarm of seven at the who is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. entrance of this Holy place. Chant—O Lord! have mercy upon us; for Thy goodness en- I.—Thrice Potent, there is an alarm of seven at the entrance dureth forever. of this Holy place. 1.—Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity and I. P.—Brother Inspector, see the cause of the alarm, and who sin as it were with a rope. knocks as a Secret Master. Clutnt—O Lord! have mercy upon us; for Thy goodness en- 1.—Brother Captain of the Guard, see flie cause of ~he alarm, dureth forever. and who knocks as a Secret Master. T. P.—Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for ~C. of G. +J~J~J~ at the inner door and opens it slightly. sweet, and sweet for bitter. C. of G.—Who approaches this Holy place? Who comes here ~ Chanl—O Lord! have mercy upon us; for Thy goodness en- M. of 0.—A Brother Master Mason, well qualified and worthy, dureth forever. wishes to be admitted among the expert brethren, and to assist in I—I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, Lhe duty of guarding the sacred furniture of this Hoiy place. and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphim; each 1.—Who vouches for him? one had six wings; with twain He covered his face, with twain He C. ofG.—I do. covered his feet, and with twain He did fly. T. P.—Brother Inspector, what is the cause of the alarm at the Chant—O Lord! have mercy upon us; for Thy goodness en- entrance of this Holy place? dureth forever. 1.—A Brother Master Mason, well qualified and worthy, wishes T. P.—And one cried unto another, saying: Holy, holy, holy, to be admitted among the expert brethren and assist in the is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. - ¾ 44~,, ~1-~’

12 FOURTH DEGREE FOURTH DEGREE 13 Chant—O Lord! have mercy upon us; for Thy goodness endureth forever. where we seek for truth, for the full understanding of tbe divine / - solemn approach to the innermost mysteries of thy holy Temple, 1.—And the posts of the door moved at the voice of Him who lessons contained in thy “Word,” and the final attainment of tbe spake, and the heavens were filled with smoke. p>=~s~ salvation of the soul immortal. Chant—O Lord! have mercy upon us; for Thy goodness en- May this brother feel that the doctrines contained in the new vows he is now about to assume, are worthy of his noblest Masonic dureth forever. thoughts and of his holiest reverence. 7’. P.—Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone! because I am Aid us, 0 Lord; to so instruct him to look within his own heart— a man of unclean lips, for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord that innermost sanctuary—that he may prepare to receive the im- of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken from off the altar, and be press of thy Holy Name, which shall be a seal of eternal life. laid it upon my mouth, and said: Lo, this hath touched thy lips; In Thee, 0 Lord! alone resides the power. To Thee be all the thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin is purged. glory. Amen. ChanL—O Lord! have mercy upon us; for Tby goodness en- ~y ~-r~~- Candidate rises. dureth forever. 7’. P.—Woe unto those who aspire to that for which they are 1.—Bless the Lord, 0 my soul; and all that is within me, bless unfitted. 414 His holy name. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all His 1.—Woe unto those who assume a burden which they cannot benefits. bear. Chant—O Lord! have mercy upon us; for Thy goodness en- 7’. P.—Woe unto those who assume duties lightly, and afterward dureth forever. neglect them.

7’. P.—Who forgiveth all my iniquities; who healeth all my 1.—Duty is with us always, inflexible as fate. - diseases; who redeemeth my life from destruction; who crowneth ‘K’ 7’. P.—In health or sickness, in prosperity or adversity, duty is me with loving kindness and tender mercies. with us always, exacting as necessity. Chant —0 Lord! have mercy upon us; for Thy goodness en - ~t 1.—It rises with us in the morning, and watches by our pillow dureth forever. at night. In the roar of the city and in the loneliness of the desert, 1.—He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us duty is with us always, imperative as destiny.

according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the - 7’. P.—You bear, my Brother. Do you with all your heart agree, earth, so great is his mercy towards them that fear Him. that duty is the one great law of Masonry; inflesible as fate, exact- Chant —0 Lord! have mercy upon us; for Thy goodness en- ing as necessity, and imperative as destiny? dureth forever. Cand.—I do. 7’. P.—As for man, his days are but as grass; as a flower of the 7’. P.—What seek you in your journey? field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; M. of C.—Truth and the lost Word. and the place thereof sball know it no more. K 7’. P.—Brother Adoniram, you will see that the Candidate is The Candidate is stationed in the West and caused to kneel. placed in due form.

PRAYER underThehisInspectorhead, kneesplacesslightlythe Candidatebent. in position, lying on the floor, his arm Our Father, who dost rule the beaven and the earth, and all that ~—‘z~ 1.—Thrice Potent Master, the Brother Master Mason is placed $2 in them is: Thou who art the Giver of every good and every perfect in due form. .— 7’. P.—What is that form? gift: guide us in our endeavor to combat darkness, and direct the mind and thoughts of this our brother at the threshold, in the 1 —The form of the Hebrew letter Z.

I -~ 114 FOURTH DEGREE I I FOURTH DEGREE

— T. P.—To what does that form allude? 1.—To the Word and duty of a Secret Master. cleansed according to the purifications of the Sanctuary. Let us wash, as it were, in the layer of repentance~ Wash you and make T. P.—My Brother, so humble a position well becomes every one you clean; put away the eviL of your doings; acknowledge your who aspires to the rank of a Levite. Before honor is humility. iniquities and return unto the Lord, for He will have mercy upon This Temple which you have now entered represents the Solo- you, and our Elohim will abundantly pardon. Let us incite each monic Temple, and this apartment the Holy place, separated by a other to practice virtue and shun vice. While our feet are prepared wall of white marble from the Holy of Holies, with one door; for for walking in the ways of his commandments, our hands should in the duty of guarding which, you are to be set apart. You have like manner be prepared for working in his service. already been taught, t[iat as a speculative Freemason you are to My Brother, you have hitherLo seen only the thick veil which be built up as a living stone of a spiritual temple not made with hides from your view the Sanctum Sanctorum of God’s Holy hands: yea, that every renewed Freemason is himself a Temple, Temple. Your fidelity, zeal, and constancy have won for you the the foundation of which should be laid in humility and contrition favor you are now about to receive, of viewing some of our treasures o~ spirit; otherwise the Divine Presence will not dwell therein. and gaining admission into the Secret or Holy place. Before this The great light which will be exhibited to you in this degree, the can be done, it will be necessary for you to take an obligation to be full resplendency and mysterious mean[ng of wh[ch burst upon faithful even unto deaLh. you when you arrive at perfection in Ancient Craft Masonry, is Brother Adoniram, you will cause the Candidate to recede to emblematical of that divine illumination which will shine in the the West and advance by seven steps to the altar. Holy of Holies of your own soul. ~ 1.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, let the Candidate recede to & Brother Adoniram, you will now raise the Brother from the the West by seven steps. He will now advance as an Entered Ap- level to the plumb. prentice; give the due guard and sign [given]. Advance as a The Inspector raises the Brother by the Secret Master’s grip. Fellow Craft; give’the due guard and sign [given]. Advance as a Master Mason; give the due guard and sign [given]. Take four -I, 1?. P.—My Brother, on the level lies the whole system of man’s duty to his fellow man; but his duty to God rises in a perpendicular, additional steps forward to the altar there kneel upon both knees, which with the level forms the square. The level, too, is the api; the left hand covering the four greai; lights of Ineffable Masonry, emblem of Death, the great levelLer of mortals, while the plumb the two first fingers of the right hand covering the heart. betokens the resurrection to life and immortality beyond the grave. Thrice Potent, the Candidate is in due position at the altar of~ obligation. 1’’ 6f~ ~/~ Brother Master of Ceremonies 7 you will conduct the Brother to the — 12. P.—+++ The brethren will assemble, forming a triangle brazen layer in the South, that he may wash; and you will sprinkle about the altar. Brother Captain of the Guard, see this order him~seven times with hyssop, dipped from the brazen layer, that obeyed. he may be clean. The brethren being thus assembled, the Thrice Potent and his Deputy Tho~kspe~tor—r-a4ses—the--IEfro-ther—by the -Secret ~iaster ‘sgri-p. advance to the centre of the base of the triangle. The Master of Ceremonies takes the Candidate to the layer, and during the ID lecture sprinkles his hands and feet seven times. My Brother, you will repeat after ~ne your

12. P.—Whoso draweth nigh to the contemplation of the Ineffable mysteries, let him put off the shoes of his worldly conversation and OBLIGATION

corrupt affection, for the place whereon he standeth is Holy I, , dohereby and hereon most solemnly promise and vow, ground. Before we approach the house of the Lord, let us seri- in the presence of Him who dwelleth between the Cherubim and ously consider whether we have taken straight steps in the paths of this Lodge of Secret Masters about me assembled, that I will not his commandments, and whether our feet are set in due order and reveaL any part or parts, point or points, of the mysteries of the 41

FOURTH DEGREE 16 FOURTH DEGREE 17 ‘‘the Triangle.’’ The first three degrees are called symbolic, be- Ineffable degree of Secret Master which I have already known, am ‘I cause they symbolize the higher mysteries, and not, as is generally 11 about to receive or which I may be hereafter instructed in, to any supposed, because they deal in signs and symbols exclusively; for person or persons unless it be a true and lawful Brother or Brothers ‘4 signs, symbols, and allegories are peculiar to all Masonic degrees. 4/- of this degree; and not unto him or them until after due trial, 1 This triangle, witb us, Ineffable Masons, is deemed a great light, strict examination, or sure information by me had from a well- because by its historical and mystical association, it reminds us of known Brother that he or they are worthy of that confidence, or the Grand Architect of tbe Universe, to whom we are all bound to within the body of a just, perfect, and regular Lodge of Ineffable render our devotions and whose will it is ours to obey. It reminds us Masons, or by the sanction of constitutional authority; continually of the only one true God; and its three sides or angles, That I ‘will not write or print these secrets, or in anywise indite that He is our Creator, Preserver and Benefactor; and of his tlu’ee or delineate them whereby they shall improperly become known attributes, Wisdom, Strength and Beauty; also of the primitive through my unworthiness; instruments used by Him to produce order out of chaos That I will not aid or assist in conferring this degree, unLess it 4 fire, light shall be by the authority of a Lodge of Perfection; and spirit, and finally of those lovely Masonic attributes, Faith, That I will not be concerned with, aid or assist in conferring this Hope, and Charity.

degree upon any one, unless he has previously received the three -- My Brother, you may now arise and approach the East, where degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason in I will instruct you as to the object and purpose of Ineffable Masonry. a due and regular manner; The Master of Ceremonies conducts the Candidate to the Thrice Potent. , 4p~ J& i — That I will acknowledge the authority, and obey the general T. P.—The degrees upon which you are now entering are called laws, rules, regulations and decrees of tbe United Supreme Council, • Ineffable, because they treat of the Ineffable Name of Jehovah, and of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the thirty-third de- of his Ineffable Essence, of which the inscription on the golden gree, and the rules and by-laws of this or any other Lodge or 7ea Council in whose jurisdiction I may live, or of which I may become triangle is emblematical. Each degree has for its sacred word one ~ a member, so far as they come to my knowledge. To all of which of the substitute names of the Deity, expressive of his attributes. I promise and swear, binding myself under no less a penalty than We have beside these the true name, the correct pronunciation of that of having my lips sealed in everlasting silence, if I willfully which will be given to you when you arrive at the Perfection of violate this my solemn obligation. So help me God: Amen. Ancient Craft Masonry, in the sublime and mysterious degree called Immediately after the last words, let the first two flngers of the right hand Grand -Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason. be pressed firmly upon the lips of the candidate, the Thrice Potent saying: O~e of the principal secrets of primitive Freemasonry was a knowledge of the true God, his character and attributes. By the d ~‘ ~et a watch, 0 Jehovah, before my mouth, and keep Thou the door of my lips. medium of names we obtain a knowledge of persons and things. ‘4 Jehovah, therefore, in suiting Himself to our capacity, hath com- The Thrice Potent and his Deputy advance to the altar and separate, the municated a knowledge of Himself and his gracious purposes toward curtains of the East are drawn aside and the folding doors are thrown open his people, by a great variety of names. These, therefore, are that the Candidate may behold the furniture in the Holy of Holies. descriptive, not arbitrary; they have sense as well as sound. Re- Chant—O Lord! have mercy upon us; for Thy goodness en- specting the Grand Architect of the Universe, his name is Himself dureth forever. and Himself is his name. Through the poverty of human language T. P.—My Brother, in this degree, you see before you as in the we are wont to distinguish between God and his attributes. But preceding degrees, the three great lights of symbolic Masonry. The God and his attributes are one. We speak of his wisdom, justice, book of the testimony, the square and the compasses, and in addi- and love. But God is not only endowed with all these perfections, tion a fourth great light, which belongs not to symbolic Masonry, He is the embodiment of them. The defect of our intellect in 18 FOURTH DEGREE V FOURTH DEGREE :19 comprehending Him is like the weakness of our sight in beholding The apron and gloves, which I now present you, are tbe marks the sun. The names of God were intended to communicate a knowl- of the candor of all Secret Masters. edge of Himself. By these, we are enabled to acquire some scanty You will now take your seat as a Secret Master. ideas of his essential majesty, goodness and power, and to know The Master of Ceremonies seats the Brother. in whom we are to believe, and what we are to believe of Him. 0 Jehovah our Adonai, how excellent is thy name over all the earth. T. P.—Brother Adoniram, it is our order that you cause to be

—‘~=~- My Brother, I will now instruct you in the sign, grip, word, etc., erected a tomb, or obelisk of white and black marble, west southwest of this degree. of the Temple, wherein shall be deposited the embalmed remains of . . . our lamented Grand Master Hiram Abiff. The white marble shall denote tbe innocence and purity of our departed Grand Master, and ‘e~ The peculiar lesson taught in this degree, my Brother, is Secrecy tbe black the untimely death of him we mourn. and Silence. God is frequently worshipped in silence. All things 1.—Thrice Potent, your order shall be obeyed. at the creation took their beginning from silence. Pythagoras com- pelled his disciples to pass through a probation of two or three~ 4j”’ CLOSING years to thoroughly incu]cate this lesson. From man we learn to ‘4’ T. P.—Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the Guard that I I speak, from God to be silent. () am about to close this Lodge of Secret Masters. The word Ziz, or Zizon, is sometimes rendered Balustrade, or C. of G.—Brethren of the Guard, the Thrice Potent is about to entrance into the Sanctum Sanctorum. It also alludes to the close this Lodge of Secret Masters. Your order has been obeyed, threshold or entrance into ~he Ineffable degrees and mysteries to Thrice Potent. which we welcome you with a Brother ‘s welcome, charge and in- T. P.—++ Brother Inspector, are you a Secret Master’? ~ vestiture. 7~ ~ 9r~’ 6 ~ 1.—I have passed from the square to the compass extended to INVESTITURE seven degrees. T. P.—What lesson were you taught as a Secret Master’? Permit me now, my Brother, to receive you as a Secret Master, 1.—The duty of secrecy and silence. and give you rank among the Levites. rPlaces a wreath of laurel T. P.—What is noxv the hour’? and olive on the Candidate’s head.] I crown you with a wreath 1.—The close of day. of laurel and olive. T. P.—What remains to do’? The laurel, an emblem of victory, is to remind you of the con- 1.—To practice virtue, shun vice, and remain in silence. q~uest you ought to gain over your passions; the olive, a symbol of T. P.—As nothing remains to do but to practice virtue and shun peace, which should ever reign among us. With Wisdom, Strength, vice, let the will of God be done. It is time to rest. Give notice Prudence and Fortitude, may you soon obtain the favor of an to the Brethren that I am about to close this Lodge of Secret Mas- entrance into the secret vault. It will be your own fault if you ters by the sacred number. are not found worthy, and do not in due time arrive at the sacred I.—++4r Brethren, the Thrice Potent is about to close tbis place, where rapt in divine joy you may contemplate the pillar of Lodge of Secret Masters by the sacred number. Give your atten- Beauty. tion and assistance to the work. To order, my Brethren. I decorate you, my Brother, with an ivory key, suspended from • * • Same as at opening, except in reverse order. a white and black ribbon, an emblem of fidelity, innocence, and prudence. On the key you behold a symbol which teaches you to keep T. P.—I declare this Lodge of Secret Masters duly closed. a tongue of good report; and it is also an emblem of silence, and I refers to the silence which distinguishes a Secret Master. I ‘1

FIFTH DE4~REE 21 OPENING R. W.—+ Brother Captain of the Guard, are all present Perfect

I Masters’? C: of G.—[Examines.j We are, Right Worshipful Master. p FIFTH DEGREE—PERFECT MASTER 44’ R. W.—Brother Captain of the Guard, your station’? C. of G.—In the North. ,~ ~-, MEANING OF Tars DEGREE R. W.—Your duty’? I. C. of G.—To see that the Guards are duly posted. This degree was originally established as a grateful tribute of R. W.—How is a Lodge of Perfect Masters guarded’? respect to the memory of a departed worthy Brother. C. of G.—By four guards stationed at the entrances of this In this degree is held the Lodge of Sorrow, and are performed Lodge. the funeral ceremonies of any Brother of the Sub lime degrees. p 7~ R. W.—Attend to your duty and inform the Guards tbat we are about to open a Lodge of Perfect Masters. DECORATIONS, OFFICERS, CLOThING, ETC. C. of G. does so and reports. The Lodge is hung with green cloth from eight white columns, four on each side, and equl-distant. An altar, draped in black strewed with C. of G.—Right Worshipful, your orders have been obeyed. The tears, is placed in the East at the foot of the throne. In front of the Guards are posted, duly instructed and vigilant. altar is a coffin, draped in black, resting on a bier, with the jewel and 1?. W.—Brother Zabud, are you a Perfect Master’? apron of Grand Master Hiram Abiff. 1.—I have seen the tomb of our lamented Grand Master Hiram “Four Lights are placed at each of the cardinal points. Marks of blood are in the northeast section of the Lodge. Abiff, and have ~n company with my Brethren shed tears thereat, The star in the interlaced triangle of the Secret Master’s degree is 1?. W.—What is the hour’? I changed from yellow to red, so as to throw a lend light. 1.—It is four. — ,4~g 4 The Senior Warden is the Master, and represents Adoniram. He is 444’ R. W.—It is time our workmen attend to their duties. P{~I.~{~ styled Right Worshipful or Respectable Master, and is clothed as a Brother Zabud, give notice that I am about to open a Lodge of Prince of Jerusalem. He is seated in the East. The Junior Warden is seated in the West, represents Zabud, and is Perfect Masters. 1.—Brethren, the Right Worshipful Master is about to open a styled Inspector. He wears a black robe and cap, together with the order 44~4 and jewel of a Prince of Jerusalem. 444 Lodge of Perfect Masters. The Captain of the Guard represents Zerbal, Captain of King Solo- All give the * * * of the first three degrees and of Secret Master and men’s Guards, and is dressed as a Perfect Master. Perfect Master. Right Worshipful ++++; Inspector ++++; all applaud The Master of Ceremonies represents Stolkin, and is dressed as a with hands ~ Secret Master. 4’-’ Clothing :—Black robe and hood drawn over the head; apron, collar, R. W.—I declare this Lodge of Perfect Masters duly opened. jewel and white gloves, bordered with black. Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the Guard. 4, -‘ Apron :—‘White, with green flap; on the centre is a cubic stone sur- Captain of the ~3uard does so and reports. Right Worshipful + rounded by three circles with the Hebrew letter J in the centre.

Collar :—A watered green ribbon, at the end of which is suspended 44,444

the jewel. .4’4 RECEPT [ON Jewel :—A compass open on a segment of a graduated circle at an Officers take their stations and seats in the Lodge. angle of sixty degrees. 44 Battery :—++++ denotes life, death, virtue and immortality. R. W.—4~ Brethren, the time set apart for the performance of Moral:—That we should learn to pay due respect to the memory of the last sad rites over the mortal remains of our departed Grand a deceased worthy Brother. Master has arrived. Let us divest our hearts of all temporal I [20] 444 (

4:4’ r.

22 FIFTH DEGREE FIFTH DEGREE 23 thoughts. Brother Inspector, you will cause the procession to be R. W.—One fate comes alike to all; the long night of death formed. after the short day of life. During the above remarks, the Master of Ceremonies will retire and prepare After Thizd Journey. the Candidate and himself with a white robe and a green silk cord about his neck. R. W.—After the death and the grave come the resurrection, and light and life eternal. 1’~ 1.—Brother Captain of the Guard, you will cause the procession to be formed in the North. When the procession halts the fourth time, it will face inward and around the coffin, and the Right Worshipful and Brethren will give the words and The Captain of the Guard forms the procession on the North side of the’ Grand Hailing Sign of Distress of a Master Mason. Lodge, in single ifie; the lights are all turned down till they present the appearance of stars; the interlaced triangle in the East throws a red light over the Lodge; the torches borne by Brethren are lighted. £~1c~A 6j~/ After the procession is formed, the Captain of the Guard ‘will report: PRAYER C. of G.—Brother Inspector, the procession is formed and awaits your order. 0 Almighty and Eternal God! There is no number of thy days 1.—Brother Captain of the Guard, you will direct the proces- or of thy mercies. Thou has sent us into this world to serve Thee, sion to move. but we wander far from Thee in the path of error. Our life is but a The Captain of the Guard will lead the procession. In the meantime, the span in length, and yet tedious, because of the calamities that enclose A4aster of Ceremonies approaches the door and knocks ~ One of the us on every side. The days of our pilgrimage are few and evil; guards opens the door and says: our bodies frail; our passions violent and distempered; our under- Guard—Who comes here’? standing weak, and our wills perverse. Look Thou upon us, our M. of C.—Brethren who have received the degree of Secret Mas- Father, in mercy and pity. We adore thy majesty, and trust like ter, and are now desirous of being admitted to this Lodge of Perfect little children to thine infinite mercies. Give us patience to live Masters. well, and firmness to resist evil, even as our departed Brothcr re- Guard.—It cannot be. This is the anniversary of the death of sisted. Give us, 0 .most merciful Father, faith and confidence in our Grand Master Hiram Abiff, and our Brethren are even now Thee, and enable us so to live, that when we come to die we may performing the last mournful ceremonies over his remains. lie down in the grave like one who composes himself to sleep, and M. of C.—Our love and reverence for our departed Grand Mas- that we may be worthy hereafter to be remembered in the memories ter, have induced us to solicit the privilege of participating in the of man. Bless us, 0 God: bless our beloved fraternity throughout ho1~ and sacred duties of our departed Brother. the world; may we live and emulate the example of our departed Guard.—The love and admiration expressed for you by our Brother; and finally, that we may in this world attain a know1- Grand Master King Solomon and the noble Adoniram, prompts me edge of thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen. to accede to your request. Enter, my Brethren, and may the lesson Discovers Master of Ceremonies and Candidate. you this day receive be a lasting one. R. W.—Brethren, nothing further remains for us to do but to The Master of Ceremonies and Candidate enter and remain in the West, proceed on our mournful journey. Let all be made in readiness, spectators of the scene to follow. The procession continues to move four times and Brother Captain of the Guard, see that no laggard Brother around the Lodge. After First Journey. remains behind. C. of G.—How is this, my Brethren’? why do you stand thus R. W.—Darkness, death and the grave are reserved for all men. idly by, and where are the sable robes you were required to have, After Second Journey. on this mournful occasion’? Answer!

4,4 24 FIFTH DEGREE FiFTH DEGR~IE 25 M. of C.—We are Secret Masters, and have passed from the square to the compasses extended to seven degrees. The love and the example of our illustrious Grand Master Hiram Abiff, and by reverence we bear for our departed Grand Master have induced us a wise and virtuous life, make preparation for a peaceful death. to solicit the privilege of being permitted to participate in the holy The procession will now move three times around the Lodge. On the second and sacred duties of our departed Brother. time around, the four Brdthers selected for that purpose will take up the Ii C. of G.—You will await. Right Worshipful Master, Brethren coffin and bear it with the procession. After the third time the procession proceeds to the tomb and the coffin is deposi Led before it. During all this time Secret Masters who have exhibited great zeal and energy in our the Right Worshipful follows the procession, and says: cause are desirous of obtaining the privilege of being permitted 4,11 R. W.—Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, to participate in our mournful but holy and sacred duties. ‘I while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou R. W—Let the Brethren stand forth. Are not these Brethren who displayed such fervency and zeal in the preceding degree’? shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; while the sun, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: C. of G.—They are. In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the R. W.—My Brethren, you have been admitted here in- the midst strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because of our most solemn ceremonies. Further you cannot proceed until - they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, you join with us in a funeral procession commemorative of the and the doors shall be shut in the streets when the sound of the death of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff. Brother Inspector, you will catise the procession to be formed in the North. grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and I.— all the daughters of music shall be brought low: Also, when they 4--4Brother Captain of the Guard, you will cause the -proces- shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the sion to be formed in the North. way, and the almond tree sh~]l flourish, and the grasshopper shall The Captain ol! the Guard forms the procession in the North, double file,’ be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his long and facing the East, the torches preceding, borne by Brethren. After the home, and mourners go about the streets; or ever the silver cord be formation: loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at 6 LESSON the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the /121 R. W.—My Brethren, in the preceding degrees of Masonry, our dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto travels were to remind us of the journey of human life, in which God who gave it. 7~ 6 Freemasonry is an enlightened and beautiful path. Our present On arriving at the tomb, the Brethren divide in two parallel lines, and march will be gloomy and funereal. Our Grand Master is no more. the Right Worshipful Master and Inspector pass between them and stand at Death is among us; our Lodge is in mourning, and the great calam- the foot of the coffin, facing the Brethren. The Brethren drop sprigs of acacia on the coffin, which is placed in the tomb. ity has fallen upon -us. Death reigns in all portions of’ our time. Al?~’the succession of time; all the changes of nature; all the varie- R. W.—Farewell, my Brother! Blessed be his rest, fragrant the ties of light and darkness, and every contingency to every man and acacia upon the hallowed sod that covers him. to every creature doth preach~ our funeral ~ermon, and call us Brethren, we have performed the last sad duties to our friend to look and see how Time is ever preparing the grave where we and Brother. We have closed his eyes and deposited his body in must lay our sins and our sorrows. the silent tomb. Let us now return to our Lodge, and not remain Death regards not those ~weet engagements and pleasing inter- 4, in idleness while the assassins of our Brother are at large. courses, and those improving joys which are known to Freemasons. All return to the Lodge, and the Right Worshipful places himself behind Death summons away, in the midst of his day and usefulness, many the altar, the Candidate before him. a beloved Brother of our craft. We behold his sun at meridian R. W.—Brethren, this ceremony was originally established to F; and rejoice at its brightness, but alas! it soon sets and the evening commemorate the death of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff, whose shades of existence close around him forever. Let us, then, imitate labors at the building of the first Temple, and whose tragic death Ii

I — 4,’ Ar fi 26 FIFTH DEGREE FIFTH DEGREE 27

t~F: furnish so much of the mystical knowledge of Ancient Craft Ma- ‘~ The Right Worshipful then draws the green cord from the Candidate’s sonry. It is retained by us that it may be improved as a lesson neck, and relieves him of his white robe saying: both useful and instructive. Let us look forward to brighter scenes, R. W.—Thus, my Brother, would I remove the fetters with 111F when our departed Brother, who has been smitten down by the which vice may have enslaved you, and by the power I have re- resistless hand of death, shall be raised from his prostrate state ceived from the Most Potent of Kings, I now raise you to the degree at the word of our Supreme Grand Master, and admitted to the - of Perfect Master. privilege of the Perfect Lodge above. Raises him by the grip of Perfect Master. d- Brother Inspector, you will cause the Candidate to approach the altar by four steps, kneel, and contract his obligation as a Rece e signs, token and words of a Perfect Master. Perfect Master, with his right hand raised to heaven and his left 7 hand covering the four great lights. INVESTITURE I with pleasure invest you with the collar and jewel of a Perfect Master. The devices on the apron will be explained to you by at- OBLIGATION tending to the lecture. The jewel is to remind you to measure your conduct through life by the exact rule of equity. Your green collar I, — , promise and swear, in the presence of Him who dwell- is an emblem of hope and of our faith, in the immortality of the I, eth between the Cherubim and this Lodge of Perfect Masters about soul, which shall triumph over the grave and never die. /‘~—22-=~~.- me assembled,] that I will not reveal any part or parts, point or My Brothe\you~-wi1Lgo~and-sahrte--owr--Inspccto~—Officers and

points, of the mysteries of the Ineffable degree of Perfect Master Bmthmn~and return to the East. /“- 7~-) ‘,~ which I have already known, am about to receive, or which I may Salutes and returns. The Candidate is then seated, and an alarm ++++ hereafter be instructed in, to any person or persons, unless it be to is heard at the door. a true and lawful Brother or Brothers of this degree; and not unto 1.—Brother Captain of the Guard, ascertain the cause of the him or them until after due trial, strict examination, or sure in- alarm. formation from a well known Brother that he or they are worthy The Captain of the Guard ascertains through the wicket. of that confidence, or within the body of a Lodge of Perfect Masters or by sanction of constitutional authority. C. of G.—The Grand Masters King Solomon and Hiram, King That I will not be connected with, aid or assist in conferring this of Tyre, are about to enter this Lodge, Brother Inspector. degree upon any one, unless he has regularly received the degrees 1.—Right Worshipful Master, the Grand Masters King Solo- of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, and the mon and Hiram, King of Tyre, are about to enter this Lodge. degree of Secret Master under the authority of a Lodge of Per- R. W.—You will receive them with the Grand Honors. fection. The Captain of the Guard forms two rows of four each, of the Brethren at the door, facing inward. JThat I will be faithful in performing my obligations with all The Kings, who are dressed in full robes, with crown and sceptre, as desig- men; that I will pretend not what is false, nor cover what is true, nated in the degree of Perfection, are then admitted, and enter side by side, and that the measure of my affirmationor denial shall be the under- solemn music playing; they march by four steps, all the Brethren giving the Grand Ronors by four and four, that is, the Brethren clapping their hands, standing of the person with whom I contract in any manner what- and the Officers with their gavels. V soever. To all of which I promise and swear, binding myself under no less a penalty than that of being smitten on my temple with a The Kings proceed to the East. gavel, if I willfully violate this my solemn obligation. So help me K. S.—Right Worshipful Brother Adoniram, it is our will and

F’, God: Amen! Amen! Amen I Amenjjf desire to visit the last resting place of our dear friend and worthy

F F, F, —4 -44, 44,

44, FIFTH DEGREE 29 28 FIFTH DECREE Brother, Hiram Abiff. And we desire that in making the examina- ~— and brought to justice. 44 - - All.—[Extending right hands to- heaven.] We promise and ~FI tion of the tomb, and in paying homage to the Illustrious dead, we -4 44 be accompanied by the Masons generally, in reverse order of their vow. rank. Death reigns in all portions of Time and meets us everywhere. K. 5.—Heaven hears and the angels record the vow. And now, my Brethren, let us return to our temporal duties. King Solomon takes the chair, the Right Worshipful at his side, and one step below him; the King of Tyre on the extreme right. They return to the Lodge, which has been fully lighted by the four lights, East, West, North and South. The torches are extinguished. R. W.—Brother Inspector, you will form the procession in the “‘444 4 East, to escort the Grand Masters to the tomb of our late Grand CLOSING Master, Hiram Abiff. Same as opening, informing the Captain of the Guard “that we are about 1.—Brother Captain of the Guard, you will form the procession to close,” etc., down to 44 in the East, to escort our Grand Masters to the tomb of our late 444-41 - R. W.—What is the hour? Grand Master, Hiram Abiff. 44 4, 1.—The close of day. The procession is formed by the Captain of the Guard, and marches four -4-4 R. W.—It is time to close this Lodge. times around the Lodge, the Kings bringing up the rear; then it proceeds to the tomb, opens right and left, and the Kings pass through the lines and -r approach the tomb. The Kings examine it and give the * of admiration. Brother Zabud, give notice that II am about to close this Lodge K. S—It is accomplished and complete. Soft and safe to our Ii’— of Perfect Masters. departed Grand Master be his mortal bed; with fragrance eternal 1.—The Right Worshipful Master is about to close this Lodge may the acacia sprig here flourish. •While we his memory cherish, ~-i of Perfect Masters. let us his virtues imitate and his death improve. Our harp is turned -4— to mourning, and our organ unto the voice of those who weep. Let All ++++ with their hands, and give signs of Perfect Master, Secret Master, Master Mason, Fellow Craft, and Entered Apprentice. the beauty of our Elohim be upon us and establish thou the work of our hands upon us, yea the work of our hands establish thou it. R. W.—I declare this Lodge of Perfect Masters duly closed. When a few more years are come, then shall we go whence we shall Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the Guards. not return. 0 satisfy us early with thy mercy that we may rejoice + and be glad. The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting upon them -4-4 that fear Him, and his goodness unto the children of men. My ‘4

Brethren, whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth. -4744,) ~Brother Adoniram and Brethren, the will of God is accomplished. Let us enter into silence. All kneel, and offer a silent prayer. Amen. So mote it be. [All rise.] My Brethren, the guilty assassins of our Grand Master Hiram 4,4,4~4 Abiffare still undetected. In the presence of this emblem of our sor-

row and regret; under these funereal arches, dumb witness of ‘-44 4-4444 our religious homage; before these symbols of the nothingness of ‘4 -4.- our nature and the immensity of God; let us vow and promise, that the blood of our late Grand Master that still stains the floor of our

Temple shall not be removed until the assassins have been detected ‘4-4 [4 SIXTH DEGREE 31 C. of G.—[Examines.] Thrice Illustrious, all present are Inti- mate Secretaries. T. 1.—Your station? C. of G.—In the ante-chamber, at the head of the Guard. SIXTH DEGREE—INTIMATE SECRETARY T. 1.—How are we guarded? C. of G.—By Perfect Masters. 7’. 1.—What lessons are we taught as Intimate Secretaries? C. of G.—That idle curiosity should not remain unpunished, or zeal and fidelity unrewarded. / in TheinglegendSolomon’sof thisandiencedegreechamber,relates touponan incidentthe suppositionwhich occurredof the King of Tyrethat a spy or eavesdropper had been stationed to watch 7’. 1.—Give notice, my Brother, that I am about to declare this his movements at the time of his complaint that the King of Israel Lodge of Intimate Secretaries open. had violated his promise. The life of the supposed spy was de. C. of G.—+++ Brethren, the Thrice Illustrious is about to declare this Lodge of Intimate Secretaries open. Give your attention manded, but saved by the intercession of King Solomon, and his zeal and trustworthiness, upon examination, rewarded by his be- and assistance to the work. - coming the witness to a new compact. ~7&i9~~ ~ ~ 7’. 1.—Together, my Brethren. The Thrice Illustrious gives the first sign; all give the answer. DECORATIONS, OFFICERS, CLOTHING, ETC. 7’. 1.—To the glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe, in The Lodge room represents the audience chamber of King Solomon’s the name and under the auspices of the United Supreme Council, Temple: it is hung in black, strewed with silver tears. It has twenty- seven lights—nine, towards the East, nine towards the West and nine and by virtue of the authority on me conferred, I declare this Lodge towards the South. Upon the table, East of the center of the chamber, of Intimate Secretaries open for the transaction of business. are two cross-swords, an hour glass, a large scroll with seals, a skull, book of the testimony, and book of the Constitutions. + King Solomon and Hiram, King of Tyre, are styled Thrice Illustrious, and are seated near the East, by the table; the only other officer—the RECE PTION Captain of the Guard—representing Zerbal, is stationed in the West. The two kings are robed as in the Degree of Perfection. The brethren are T. 1.—Brother Captain of the Guard, I appoint Joabert Lieuten- termed Perfect Masters, and during a reception are stationed without the ant of the Guard, to aid yon in the execution of your duty; repair chamber as guards, with drawn swords, under the charge of Zerbal. to your station, and see that none approach without my permission. Apron :—Triangular, of white lambskin, lined, bordered and trimmed At a reception of a Candidate the Thrice Illustrious 4.. with bright crimson; on the flap is an equi-lateral triangle; in the angle Captain of the Guard 4.4.4. and all arise. Under the direction of the o~the apex, the letter B, and in the one on the left, N; in the sight, Shi; Captain of the Guard, the Brethren form two parallel lines in the West; fall on the center of the area of the apron, Ih. on the right knee, give the second sign, and say the S. V. in a low tone; they Collar :—White, bordered and trimmed with crimson, suspended from then rise, and as they retire salute the two Kings with the first sign. which is the jewel. The Candidate is divested of his robe, gloves, apron and jewel as a Perfect Jewel:—A golden triangle, similar to that mentioned on the flap of Master, and is introduced into the ante-room where he finds the members acting the apron. as Guards to the Lodge. The Captain of the Guard appoints him Lieutenant, Gloves :—White, bordered with crimson. and instructs him that the Guard is composed of Secret Masters; places him very near the door, and commences preparing him and arming him as his Battery :—4.+++++++ 4., thrice repeated. -=t~7~~%~ Lieutenant. Presently King Hiram rushes through the Guards, in an excited manner, and enters the Lodge, apparently in a great passion, leaving the door OPENING ~444,4,- partly open.

-4;-’ T. l.—+ Brother Captain of the Guard, are all present Intimate C. of G.—[To Candidate.] That was very abrupt. Are you not

Secretaries? - alarmed for the safety of King Solomon? The countenance of him [30]

‘4-4 41

—‘II 32 SIXTH DEGREE SIXTH DEGREE 33 “It who passed us exhibited such evidence of anger, that he may medi- receive so many ruined and deserted villages, surrounded by wilder- II tate some violence to the person of our most illustrious master; go ness, but twenty populous and flourishing places, bordered by smil- you to the door and listen. ing fields and fruitful meadows. Those cities thou hast given me The Candidate is placed in the doorway; meanwhile King Hiram rushes are Chabul, and shall be called so from this day henceforth—dilapi- up to King Solomon, and exclaims: dated and’ worthless—fit to entail expense and yield no revenue. K. of T.—Adoniram hath shown me twenty cities in the land of Retain them, and henceforth let the league between us cease. Galilee; are they those thou hast given me K. 8.—Be pacified, and hear me patiently, my Brother. It was K. 8.—They are, my Brother. my intention—

K. of T.—Then call me not Brother; they are not such as thou - King of Tyre turns around and sees the Candidate; rushes to the door hast promised me. Thou hast not kept thy faith. My servants did and seizes him. cut thee down as many trees out of Libanus as thou didst want, and K. of T.—Ha! another evidence of your traitorous conduct—a conveyed them on rafts by sea to Joppa; cedars and fir-trees, and listener! Since when are spies set at the entrance to note my words? pine trees from Libanus; providing timbers in abundance for the K. 8.—Never! It cannot be, as my guards are at the door. houses which thou didst desire to build; and I sent thee Hiram, my King of Tyre drags Candidate in before King Solomon. dear Brother, a wise and skillful man, to devise the work for thy I) T.— house. He hath lost his life in thy service. Then was there peace K. of 75o, then none listen? Behold the eavesdropper, taken between us, and we made a league together, notwithstanding my in the very act. Who is he? God was not thy God—because we were Brothers in the Sacred K. 8.—Alas! it is Joabert, until now my faithful friend and Mysteries—and thou didst promise to give me twenty cities for the ‘I servant. — ( services rendered thee. King of Tyre seizing a sword from the table and drawing back, as if to K. 8.—My Brother, even as I promised, so have I done. Did II 44 I cut the Candidate from the left shoulder to the right hip. not give thee twenty cities in the land of Galilee? How have I not - kept my faith with thee? K. of T.—Let him suffer the punishment his baseness deserves. King Solomon lays his hand on Hiram’s sword-arm and stays the act, K. of T.—Solomon, God—even thy God—hath given thee wis- U dom and understanding exceeding much. Thou art wiser than all saying: men, and thy renown hath gone unto all the nations around about. K. 8.—For a moment stay thy hand, my Brother. Jehovah hath Thou hast spoken three thousand parables, and thy poems are a said, “Thou shalt not kill, for whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man thousand and five. Thou hast written about trees, from the cedafs~ shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God w~s man created.” of Lebanon unto the hyssop that groweth out of the wall; of beasts, Guards, without there! tf birds, of reptiles and of fishes; and all the nations and all the Guards hastily enter. I kingdoms of the earth have heard of thy wisdom, and have come to Thou shouldet not dishonor thyself, my Brother, by becoming consult thee and hear thy wise words; and yet thou art not wise the executioner. Let Joabert be tried and heard in his defense, and enough to know that cunning is not wisdom. Ah, king! he is not if condemned, he shall be duly punished. His offense is no less wise who is not honest, or who doth not keep his word in spirit as against me than thee, if he be guilty. Captain of theGuard, Joabert I-- well as in letter. Are not all Perfect Masters taught to let their is your prisoner. Fetter him, and I hold your life responsible if admiration or denial be the understanding of their contractor? he is not forthcoming when called for. K. 8.—How, my Brother, have I failed to keep my word in spirit I’ Joabert is pinioned, and the Guards depart with the prisoner in the center; as well as in letter? How hath the measure of my affirmation or the door is left ajar, so that the continued conversation between the two kings denial not been your understanding of my promise? may be heard. K. of T.—Thou didst promise me twenty cities. I looked not to It was my intention, my Brother, to rebuild the twenty cities ill

SIXTH DEGREE 34 SIXTH DEGREE 35 which I gave thee, and to settle husbandmen in the country around manner inwhich your worthy ally—whom he knew not personally— about before I gave the territory into thy possession; but thou hast passed the Guard, excited the alarm of Joabert, who approached come to. receive them sooner than I expected. What I intended, I the door and, ont of devotion to you, deemed it his duty to ascer- will still do, and keep my promise, in the spirit as well as in the tain the cause of this unusual conduct of His Majesty of Tyre. letter. Good faith is the brightest jewel in a regal crown. I will K. &—Brother Zerbal, I am well satisfied. I have assured my break my word with no man, least of all with thee. worthy ally, that, among all the favorites and lords of my court, K. of T.—Forgive me for my hasty words and my unjust sns- Joabert has always evinced the warmest attachment to my person; picions. that I knew him sufficiently well to be convinced that the indiscre- K. S.—They are forgiven and forgotten. Is there no one we can tion of which he has been guilty is not attributable to a desire of forgive? gratifying idle curiosity, but to watch over my safety and intcr- K. of T.—Joabert? ests. So well assured was I of this, that I voluntarily offered my- K. S.—Even so. I regret that my favorite should have been de- self a surety for the purity of his intentions, which surety was tected in the act of eavesdropping, or listening at the door, while graciously accepted by my regal Brother. we were engaged in a private conversation. I can vouch that, K. of T.—Yes, my Brother, and I honor Joabert for his fidelity among all my favorites and lords of my court, Joabert has always and attachment. I gladly acquit him og any intention other than evinced the warmest attachment to my person. For this, and that zealous faithfulness. Your friendship, and that oE those you gov- there is some palliating circumstances, I will be a guarantee, and ern, I would gladly cultivate; and in accordance with our promise, offer myself for a surety. let the new treaty of alliance be drawn, and Joabert be admitted K. of T.—He shall be tried; I accept your surety; and if, upon as our Intimate or Confidential Secretary and Witness, in lieu trial, his innocence is proven, let him be the witness of a new treaty of o~r lost friend Eiram Abiff whom we now so deeply mourn. of alliance between us. K. S.—He is competent and faithful; I gladly accept him. King Solomon +++; Captain of the Guard enters. Joabert, to you will be confided the knowledge of those important transactions growing out of our new alliance. Do you feel that I K. 8.—Captain of the Onard, let Joabert be brought before us. you can observe inviolate secrecy a~ to all matters ~o confided 1o Captain of the Guard gives first sign, retires, and brings in the Candidate; you? the GuaIdB follow in order, and are stationed in front of the West. K. S.—Joabert, you have received many frequent favors at my hands, and I believed you devoted to my service. You have been K. S.—Kneel, then, at this table, and placing both hands upon found acting the dishonorable part of an eavesdropper, hateful the Book of the Law and the cross-swords, pronounce your name, to all Masons; your conduct, unexplained, is reprehensible. My and say after me your V Brother of Tyre, justly indignant, was about to inflict upon you OBLIGATION exemplary punishment. I can scarcely believe that ba~enes~ and 1~a impertinent curiosity could have actuated you, and, at my inter- I, , do solemnly swear and declare, in the presence of the cession, he has consented to hear you in your defense, and to for- Grand Architect of the Universe, that I will never reveal, but will give you if there be anything that can excuse or explain your con- <~ ever hail and forever conceal, what is at present communicated to duct. me, except to them who are lawfully qualified to receive the same; C. of G.—Thrice Ifltistrioi~s Kings Solomon and Hiram, by your That I will inviolably keep the mysteries of the degree of Inti- t permission, I can bear witness that Joabert’s conduct was not in- mate Secretary from all Perfect Masters, and from all Brothers of I; ducedby a vain curiosity to pry into secrets, or an unlawful desire an inferior degree, and from all persons in the known world except to obtain the knowledge of things forbidden. The hasty and angry those qualified to receive the same; 36 SIXTH DEGREE SIXTH DEGREE 37 4-- That I will attend all summonses sent to me from the Lodge I also present you with a sword of defence against any attacks to which I may belong, and conform to the laws and regulations which may be made on your integrity and honor as a Mason. As a of the same to the utmost of my power, and that I will always bear Confidential Secretary, you are intrusted with an especial con- witness and administer to the truth; fidence, and as a full proof of it, we accept you as our Intimate That I will be ever zealous and faithful in the services of Secretary and a witness to our new alliance. Masonry, the Master, and my brethren; In this degree, my Brother, you are taught to be zealous and That I will at all times endeavor to heal all dissensions and faithful, to be disinterested and benevolent, to act the peacemaker differences, settle all disputes, and reconcile all quarrels among my in ease of disputes and quarrels among your brethren—and to be- brethren, upon terms honorable and just to every party concerned; I’— ware of eavesdropping. You.mayThiiscated. t’~ 7 l2~ -~ If I fail intentionally in this my obligation, may my body be cut diagonally in twain. So help me, God. Amen! Amen! CLOSING Salute the holy and sacred volume, my Brother, and rise. I T. 1.—+ Captain of the Guard, what is the hour? greet and receive you as an Intimate or Confidential Secretary, and C. of G.—Thriee Illustrious, it is the sixth hour of the day. devote you to the service of Masonry andof the Grand Architect T. 1.—It is, then, time to rest from our labors. Brother Captain of the Universe. We are all witnesses to this new alliance. of the Guard, give notice that I am about to close this Lodge of Again have you assumed the place and position of our lamented Intimate Secretaries. Grand Master Hiram Abiff and so become still more strongly bound C. of G.—+++ Guards attend! The Thrice Illustrious desires to practice the virtues by which he was so eminently distinguished. me to give notice that he is about to close this Lodge of Intimate My Brother, I will now instruct you in the sign, grip, word, Secretaries in due form. etc., of this degree. J~~J§) 4~//~ b-~ ~--~-~ T. 1.—Brethren, let us all be zealous, faithful, and benevolent, INVESTITURE and evermore may peace and harmony prevail among us. Together, my brethren: I will now proceed to invest you with the insignia of this degree. The color of your ribbon and apron is intended to remind you First sign. of the blood of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff, the last drop of Captain of the Guard +~H + which he was ready to shed sooner than prove a traitor to his trust. King of Tyre +++++ May you be equally faithful to your engagement, but now con- King Solomon ~ +

V tracted. Your jewel—a solid triangle—is emblematical of law and jus- OFFICIAL DECLARATION t~e, truth and peace, without which no compact can exist; also of the wisdom, strength and beauty which should characterize all Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the guard. alliances; and of the three virtues, Faith, Hope and Charity, or C. of G.—Guards, by order of the Thrice Illustrious, this Lodge Love; of the mystery contained in Berith, Nadir, and 8helemoth— of Intimate Secretaries is closed. hence the letters A. P. P., respectively, in the three angles, being the initials of Alliance, Promise, and Perfection. It is also said to be emblem~tieal of those Masons who were present at the opening of the first Lodge of Intimate Secretaries—King Solomon, Hiram, King of Tyre, and Joabert, whom you have represented. It has many allusions, with which a knowledge of our Cabala will make ~4,’ you acquainted.

—-4 F-’ 444 i

LI SEVENTH DEGREE 39 OPENING 44’ T. 1.—+ Brother Captain of the Guard, your station?

F I SEVENTH DEGREE—PROVOST AND JUDGE - C. of G.—In the North, at the head of the guard. T. 1.—Your duty? C. of G.—To station th-e Sentinel, and see that the Lodge is MEAI~ING OF Tins DEGREE secure. King Solomon, upon the death of the Grand Master, Hiram, T. 1.—Attend to your duty, and ascertain that all present are found it necessary to appoint several Judges, in order that justice Provosts and Judges. might be administered among the workmen upon the temple, C. of G.—All present are Provosts and Judges, and we are se- A their complaints heard, and their disputes decided. This duty had cure. devolved upon the lamented Hiram, and his loss caused the ap- T. 1.—Brother Adoniram, where is your Master? pointment of Tito and his associates, to listen to and adjust the S. W.—Thriee Illustrious, everywhere. T. 1.—Why so, my Brother? complaints of the workmen. ~‘J~ e S~ ~ A 1 ~( S. W.—To supervise the workmen and render justice to every one. DECORATIONS, OFFICERS, CLOTHING, ETC. T. 1.—What is the hour? The apartment represents the middle chamber of King Solomon’s S. W.—Break of day—eight, two, and seven. Temple, where the records were kept; it is draped with red, and in the T. 1.—Why so, my Brother? li~ast is a blue canopy representing the sky, which is embellished with S. W.—Beeause Provosts and Judges, at all times and seasons, stars. Under the center of the canopy is suspended an ebony box, ornamental oversee the works, and should be ready to render justice to all. with jewels, which eontains the records of the tribunal of Provosts and T. 1.—Brother Adoniram, as it is break of day—eight, two, and Judges. seven—it is time to open a Lodge of Provosts and Judges. Give In the middle of the chamber hangs an equilateral triangle, in the notice to the brethren. center of which is “G. A~’’; under the triangle is hung an equal balance. S. W.—({4~{) Brethren, the Thrice Illustrious Master is The Lodge-room is lighted by five lights—one in each corner and one in the center of the chamber. about to open a Lodge of Provosts and Judges. Give your attention Thrice Illustrious—represents Judge Tito, Prince of the Harodim, the and assistance to the work. oldest of the Provosts and Judges, and is seated,in the East. T. 1.—Together, my brethren. Senior Warden—represents Adoniram, in the West. Junior Warden—represents Abda, father of Adoniram, and is also +++++ se’~ted in the ‘West. Orator—represents Josapha~, son of Ahilud, in the South. Master of Ceremonies—in the North. OFFICIAL DECLARATION Captain of the Guard—in the North. To the glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe, in the Sentinel—at the entrance. The seven officers should be in white robes, and all the other brethren name and under the auspices of the United Supreme Council, and in black robes. by virtue of the authority on me conferred, I hereby declare a II, rF~ Apron—triangular; white, edged with red; in the middle of the Lodge of Provosts and Judges open for the dispatch of business. area a pocket, surrounded by five white and red rosettes; on the flap is Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the Sentinel. painted or embroidered a key. C. of G.—Brothcr Sentinel; a Lodge of Provosts and Judges is IF Collar—red, from which is suspended the jewel. Jewel—A golden key. now open for the dispatch of business; you will take due notice Battery—++++ +. thereof, and tyl e accordingly. (+) [89] 4 4 4’4,4,~

SEVENTH DEGREE - ~ I. 40 F- ‘‘~ RECEPTION S. W.—My Brother, in this degree you are received upon the edge of the Sword of Justice. Your desire will be, as a Provost and I ‘~ FF The Candidate is prepared as an Intimate Secretary, and is accompanied by the Master o E Ceremonies, who ~ +; Junior Warden, within, ~ Judge, to grasp its hilt. See that you do not, by violating the moral 12 +; Senior Warden, ~ +; and Thrice Illustrious, ~ law, expose yourself to be smitten with its edge. -— C. of G.—I[lustrions Brother Senior Warden, there is an alarm M. of C.—Civi—(Command.) F4F at the inner door of this chamber; T. 1.—Kumi—(Arisc.) The Senior Warden removes the sword, and the Candidate rises. The two Senior Warden repeats to Thrice Illustrious. Wardens resume their places. 4,4, F ‘F T. 1.—Brother Senior Warden, ascertain who knocks as a T. 1.—Having full confidence, my Brother, in your zeal and de- F 4 Provost and Judge. votion, I with pleasure receive you as a Provost and Judge over Senior Warden repeats to Captain of Guard. Captain of Guard ++~~ the workmen of the Temple. It gives me joy, my Brother, thus to + en the inside deer, and opening same partly, says: recompense your zeal and attachment to the institution of Masonry. C. of G.—Who knocks at the inner door of this chamber? Well assured of your prudence and discretion, w~, without hesita- F, tion, intrust you with our most important secrets; and we doubt I — Ill, of C.—Brother Joabert, an Intimate Secretary, wishes to attain the degree of Provost and Judge. not that you will discharge all your duties in this degree as you have done in those you have already taken. You have now a two- The doer being clesed. fold duty to perform—as a Judge, to decide all matters of differ- C. of G.—Illustrious Brother Senior Warden, Brother Joahert, ence that may arise among your brethren, and as a Provost, to rule an Intimate Secretary, wishes to attain the degree of Provost and over the workmen of the Temple. Be just, impartial, and merciful. Judge. I shall intrust you with this Key of the place where is kept the Senior Warden repeats te Thrice Illustrious. heart of our lamented Grand Master Hiram Abiff. You must first T. 1.—Let Brother Joabert be examined by the Master of Cere- assure us you will never disclose the place where it is interred, monies as to his proficiency in the preceding degrees, and if found and kneel and pronounce to inc this, your obligation. worthy, let him be admitted. The Candidate kneels on both knees, with his hand upon the roll of parchment that represents the Holy Bible, while the Senior Warden lays the blade Senior Warden repeats to Captain of Guard. Captain of Guard repeats to -of a naked sword upon his head. I— Master of Ceremonies. M. of C.—I have examined the Brother, and find him worthy. C. of G.—Then let him enter, and approach the altar. OBLIGATION

“‘Master ef Ceremenies and Candidate slowly enter, as directed. I, , do promise and swear, in the presence of the Great T. 1.—For what purpose does this Perfect Master and Intimate Architect of the Universe, and these Illustrious Brothers here present, never to reveal any matter or thing which concerns the 4’ Secretary desire to advance further in Masonry? M. of C.—That he may be better qualified to do good and live Provosts and Judges, directly or indirectly, to any person whom- as becomes a Mason. soever, below this degree. r T. 1.—Let him who desires to advance in Masonry first kneel, That I will he just and equitable to all the world, as I am con- bending his knee and bowing his head to God who made and who stituted by this Lodge to render justice. preserves him. That I will, as far as possible, endeavor to compromise any diffi- r - F culties which may exist between my brethren. The two Wardens step briskly, one to each side of the Candidate. The Senior Warden places his sword-blade upon the Brother’s left shoulder, so that That I will pay just and due obedience to all decrees, mandates, 4’ - • II’ r the edge is across the Brothev’s neck, and commands of th.e United Supreme Council; and the by-laws, F] SEVENTH DEGREE 43 42 SEVENTH DEGREE rules, and regnlations of this or any other Lodge of Provosts and The Triangle that hangs above your head is emblematical, here Ii Judges, of which I may become a member; and that I will regulate as elsewhere in Masonry, of the Deity—of his omnipotence and om- myself conformably to them in all respects. niscience—and hath his holy name in the center; and it is also To all this I promise and swear, under the penalty, if I will. emblematical of the three great requisites of a Judge—possessed fully fail, of having my nose smitten from my face, ,as the punish. by Him in their perfection and infinitude—Justice, Equity, and ment of an unjust Judge. So God maintain me in equity and Impartiality. Let that emblem and the balance be ever before your justice. Amen! eyes, and remind you of the obligation which you have taken in Salute the Holy Book thrice. this degree; of the duties which devolve upon you; of the responsi- 4’ T. 1.—Arise, my Brother, in your twofold capacity; to decide bilities which rest upon you, and which, with God’s eye ever fixed I as a Judge all matters of difference that may arise with your on you, you cannot evade or avoid. Brothers, and as a Provost to rule over the workmen of God’s holy I- Temple. CLOSING Gives the Brother a stroke with the sceptre on each shoulder. T. 1.—f Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the Sentinel that I am about to close this Lodge of Provosts and Judges. 4—4 By the power given me, and with which I am invested, I constitute you Provost and Judge. A-rise. The Captain of the Guard does so and reports: My Brother, I will now put you in possesiAon of the sign, grip, C. of G.—It is done, Thrice Illustrious. 41 word, etc., of this degree. f~ <.IX A~ ~ T. I.—+~+ Brother Adoniram, are you a Provost and F-’ Judge? INVESTITURE S. W.—I am, Thrice Illustrious; I render justice to all men. I now invest you with the Apron, Collar, and Jewel of this de- T. 1.—What lesson are you taught as a Provost and Judge? gree. I decorate you in this quality with this golden hey, suspended S. W.—To exercise Justice, Equity, and Impartiality in my deal- to a red collar. ings with all men. Your Apron is white, bordered with red, as an emblem of the T. 1.—What is the hour? ardor and zeal of the Masters; the white rosettes are symbolical S. W.—The close of day. of the candor and purity of our lamented Master, Hiram; and the T. 1.—It is, then, time to finish our work. Give notice to the red, of his blood shed to preserve our secrets; the pocket in the Brothers that I am about to close this Lodge. middle of the apron is intended for the key of the box wherein is S. W.—~’.I.’+ Brethren, the Thrice Illustrious Master is about contained the plans and records of the Tribunal, which key is to close this Lodge of Provosts and Judges. Give your attention “4 r~’p resented to you by that on the flap. It teaches you to lock and assistance to the work. carefully up in your heart the secrets of Masonry, and to keep the T. 1.—Together, my Brethren: key ever in your own possession; and it is especially emblem- ++++ + atical of that justice and uprightness that alone can unlock to you the mysteries contained in the higher degrees, and enable you ‘to OFFICIAL DECLARATION advance toward perfection. The gMden key also opens an urn of gold, which was placed over the sarcophagus erected as a monu- + ment to the memory of our Grand Master Hiram. In this urn is placed his heart, embalmed. The Lodge represents the middle chamber of King Solomon’s Temple. 44’ 4$i ‘44 F-) EIGHTH DEGREE 45 Warden represents Ahishar, Governor of the House, and wears a black ~4F-- ‘44 robe and the collar and apron of the degree.

¼ 4’ The brethren sit about the Lodge in the form of a triangle. Apron :—Triangular in shape, white, lined with crimson and bordered with green; on the area is depicted a five-pointed star, with the Hebrew J EIGHTH DEGREE—INTENDANT OF THE BUILDING thrice repeated, in the center, and over that a balance; on the flap is a triangle, with one of the following letters in each angle: B. A. J. (the V initials of the word Ben-Ichurim, Achcr, and Jakinah.) Cordon or Order :—A broad crimson Sash, worn from the right MEANING OF THIS DEGREE ~444 F-), shoulder to the left hip; at the point is suspended the jewel by a green The death of Hiram, the Chief Architect, threw the workmen 4-F ribbon. 4~4 4’ of the Temple of King Solomon into great confusion, and for a time Jewel:—A golden triangle, similar to that described as on the flap the construction of the building was stayed, for the want of es- of the apron. V -I’’ Steps :—Five grand steps, the heels to a square. sential plans and an expert director of the work. King Solomon, Age :—Three times nine—equal to twenty-seven. upon consultation, determined to appoint five Superintendents— 4 ‘‘4 Battery.—+++++ one for each of the five Departments of Architecture—and under “44 ‘44 4: their supervision the bailding progressed. The ceremony of in- F, ‘44’ OPENING stalling the superintendents is in this degree exhibited, instructions F-F-/’ given, and lessons of virtue inculcated. 0 /2 ‘~ ye. 7 -1> ft. ~.—+ Brother Captain of the Guard, your station and

-F’ ‘duty? 44’- DECORATIONS, OFFICERS, CLOTHING, ETC. 44’ C. of G.—In the North, and, as the chief of the Guards, to see IF-

The apartment represents the middle chamber of King Solomon ‘s ‘4 that the Lodge is secure. Temple, with various symbols of truth and wisdom displayed. The hang- ft. P.—Attend to your duty, and inform the Sentinel that I am are crimson, with a blue canopy in the East, sprinkled with stars. 4 ings I4 about to open a Lodge of Intendants of the Building. The lights are twenty-seven in number, in groups of nine each—each group forming a triple’ triangle. -Ft Gaptain of the Guard instructs the Sentinel. 144~ The altar is immediately in front of the Master, on which are five other lights. Over the Master is suspended a blazing star, with five 44, C. of G.—Thrice Potent, we are secure. points, and in its center the Hebrew letter J, thrice repeated; this star C Thrice Potent ++; Wardens rise. is surrounded by the triple interlaced triangle. The Lodge consists of five members only, representing the five Chief ft. P.—Brother Joabert, are you an Intendant of the Building? -I’ Architects, who were appointed temporarily in the place of the lamented S. W.—I have made the five steps of exactness; I have pene- Grand Master Hiram. trated into the innermost parts of the Temple, and have seen the in The Master sits the East, is termed Thrice Potent, and represents i. Adoniram, the son of Abda, President of the Board of Architects. ‘—F- great light, in which the mysterious characters Yod, Yod, Yod are “4 Senior Warden, in the West, represents Joabert, a Phoenician—Chief F-’ thrice repeated. Artificer in Brass. F-” ft. P.—What lesson are you taught in this degree? 44 Junior Warden, in the South, represents Stolkin, a Hebrew, Chief S. W.—That we should apply ourselves with zeal to whatsoever Carpenter. work may be required of us or allotted to us to do in the Temple N{aster of Ceremonies, in the North, represents Selec, the Giblemite— —ever remembering that the Lord seeth. Chief Stone Mason. ‘4 7’ Captain of the Guard, in the North, represents Gareb, a Hebrew— ft. P.—Brother Stolkin, what is the hour?

4- Chief Worker in Silver and Gold, and Engraver. 4-4 J.W.—Break of day.

During a Reception, the Thrice Potent represents ICing Solomon, and 44 ft. P.—If break of day, it is time for us to commence our labor; is robed and decorated as in Perfection; the Senior Warden represents for that purpose, I will open a Lodge of Intendants of the Build. L Zadoc, the Priest, and is clothed in a white robe and mitre; the Junior I”’ 444 [44] ~1 ‘‘I

‘F- I

EIGHTH DEGREE 46 EIGUTE DEGREE 47 ing. Brother Joabert, give due notice thercoE, that the brethren my opinion promises any success, would be to select from the chief may govern themselves accordingly. architects five of the most worthy and expert, upon whom you may S. W.—~4~4~4 Brethren, the Thrice Potent is about to open confer the rank of Intendants of the Building, and with their aid a Lodge of Intendants of the Building; give your attention and and skill complete the Secret Chamber and other unfinished parts assistance to the work. of the Temple. T. P.—Together, my brethren: You know how fond oar lamented Grand Master was of the society of the yoang, and how he delighted to communicate to them ++ the arts and sciences which he had studied in the East and in Egypt. His chief favorites were Adoniram, the son of Abda; OF~’ICIAL DECLARATION Joabert, the noble Ph~nician; Stolkin, of the tribe of Benjamin; Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the Sentinel. Selec, the Giblemite; and Gareb, of the tribe of Naphtali—whom C. ofG.—Brother Sentinel, a Lodge of Intendants of the Build- he was wont to term his school, and whom he well instructed in the ing is now open. art of working in brass, in wood, and in silver and gold. He often spoke to me of these scholars, saying, that, if he were RECEPTION taken away, they would be able to fill his place; he often intrusted The Candidate, clothed as a Provost a~d Judge, is admil;ted within the to Adoniram the superintendence of the whole work, and made Lodge room without ceremony, and seated with the members. Joabert the chief artificer in brass; Stolkin, chief of the workers T. P.—[Re presenting King Solomon.] Reverend Brother Zadoc, in wood; Selec, chief of the stone-masons; and Gareb, chief of the counsel and advise with me. How shall we repair the loss which workmen in silver and gold, and the engravers. we have sustained by the murder of our worthy Grand Master Why should they not, if it so please the King, take his place, as Hiram? You know that to him was assigned the dLlty of decorating he intended, now that he is dead? the secret chamber, where our most sacred treasures are deposited— 12. P.—Brother Ahishar, as governor of my house, you should that sacred and most Holy Place, where the Ark of God is to be be somewhat conversant with the competency of these pupils of our kept, and his protection and presence to be sought. deceased Grand Master to fill his place and carry on the work upon Scarcely had our most illustrious Brother set about this most the Temple; how do you adjudge them? J. W.—Thrice Potent, they were greatly trusted by the Grand Ill important task, when he was suddenly removed from us; and upon no one has his mantle fallen; for he studied architecture in Baby- Master, and he believed them fitted to succeed him. They may, lon, in Thebes, in Memphis, and in Tyre; all that the builders in at least, conduct the work until one can be found fitted in all Rho~nicia, Egypt, and Assyria could teach, he knew. I am at a respects to be appointed Grand Master Architect. They will partly loss to provide for carrying on the work of the Temple, which supply the great loss we have sustained, if they can do no more. stands still. 12. P.—Have they attained the rank of Provost and Judge? S. W.—Thrice Potent King Solomon, cannot our Brother, the J. W.—They have, and ever proved themselves, as Judges, just i}~i King of Tyre, send another architect to fill the place of our deceased and impartial. Grand Master? T. P.—Brother Wardens, your counsels are approved. If pres. 12. P—He has none such in his dominions, and where shall we ent, let Adoniram, Joabert, Stolkin, Selec and Gareb, arise. find one like unto him that we have lost? The Candidate and four 1,rethren, among whom is the Master of Cere S. W.—Thrice Potent, I deeply sympathize with you in the loss monies, ~~ise. of our Grand Master, and am convinced of the difficulty of repair- ing it. fT. P.—Were you the pupils of our Brother Hiram? M. of 0.—We were. I have reflected much on this matter; the only remedy which in

ill

A EIGHTH DEGREE 49 48 EIGHTH DEGREE is necessary-that you be skilful architects and learned in the knowl- T. if—In what did he instruct you? edge of the East and Egypt. But it is equally necessary that you M. of C.—In the arts and 5~i~nces~~e5pecially architecture~afld should be charitable and benevolent, that you may sympathize in the mysterious knowledge of the Magi and Etruscans. But our with the laboring man, relieve his necessities, see to his comforts knowledge, in comparison with his, is nothing. and that of his family, and smoothe for him and for those who de- 1’. P.—I’Ie knows much who is conscious of his ignorance. Are pend upon him the rugged way of life. Recognizing men as your I you willing to devote your time, your talent, your energies, to the br&hren, and yourselves as the ahnoners of God ‘s bounty—are you ~1 great work which he commenced, but did not live to finish? willing to perform these duties? I~ M. of C.—Thrice Potent, we fear to assume so grave a respon- Five Brethren—I am. sib ility, knowing ourselves incompetent. 2’. P.—Brother Senior Warden, you will canse the brethren to ft. P.—If I command? advance by five steps, and then recede by five steps, when you will M. of C.—Then we shall undertake the task with diffidence— place one of them in due position, that he may symbolize the death devoting our energies to the great work, and relying more upon of our Grand Master Hiram.

your kind indulgence than upon our own merits. F-’4 4-” The Senior Warden causes the five brethren to advance by five steps and F’ ft. P.~Remember ever to apply yourself with zeal to whatsoever -4’, recede as many, explaining the same briefly. “4 I’ work may be required of you or allotted you to do—ever remem- -44’ ~4’/‘-44’/’-44’ I’ 4F-t S. W.—My Brethren, this step of the degree of the Intendant of 4’ bering that the Lord seeth. -ii the Building is intended to symbolize your fulfillment of the promise You will all now retire, and being severally attired in white .4444’ to recede from everything that is vicious in your nature, and to robes of purity, you will again enter this chamber, for investiture, 4-4444’ -44’ strive and study how you may best advance to virtue. 44444 42 if found qualified and worthy. /4-4 4’ My Brethren, in order that a Provost and Judge may be quali- The five brethren retire, and all put on white robes and the regalia of 4’F-~ ~ fled for the office of Intendant of the Building, it will be necessary Provosts and ~Judges; the signs and lessons of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Degrees are rehearsed. All thea proceed to the door, and the Master 4-4 *4 /444 for him to take a solemn obligation in the same position in which -F44W 444’ of Ceremonies +++• Within, Junior Warden ~ Senior Warden ‘-4 A’ h-e whom he represents as an architect lies in the grave; for we I and Thrice Potent +++++ should be dead to sin and vice, that we may arise to virtue. S. W.—There is an alarm, Thrice Potent. The Candidat6, heing prostrate on his back, is covered with a crimson cloth. -‘4 ft. P.~Ascertain the cause of the alarm. In his right hand is placed a sprig of acacia, and in his left, the Book of the “’‘-4, Testimony. S. W.~Brother Captain of the Guard, see who knocks as an In- 44-F -4’’— ‘1~ 44’, S. W.—Thrice Potent, the candidate is now in the proper posi- tendant of the Building. 244’ •4’4- Captain of the Guard repeats at the door. 4’ 4”4F- tion to take upon himself the obligation of an Intendant of the

‘44-4 - Building. F-~1’ ill, of C—Five Provosts and Judges, duly qualified and found -F ‘4 *‘4444-4 ft. P.—’f’++ My Brother, if you are still desirous of attain- 41 F-A * 4’ competent, now claim admission, to await the orders of the King 4/4 ing the mysteries of this degree, you will retain your present po- as to the completion of the Temple and the work of the Secret sition and ‘listen to the following

Chamber. 4’- 444,, Captain tf the Guard repeats to Senior Warden. Senior Warden epeats OBLIGATION 4 -‘4’- to Thrice Potent. —44 I, , promise and swear, in the presence of Him who -4 24 ft. P.—Lct them enter, and remain in the West. ~444 dwellth between the Cherubim and of this Lodge of Intendants of Seajor Warden repeats to. the Captain of the Guard. the IBuilding, about me assembled, that I will not reveal any part or

C;of G.—Enter, and remain in the West. “4’;’ parts, point or points, of the mysteries of the Ineffable degree of ft. P—My Brethren, to become an Intendant of the Building it

2/ I EIGHTH DEGREE 51 50 EIGHTH DEGREE prove faithful to your trust. I shall now raise you by the lion’s Intendant of the Bui1~ing, which I have idready known, am about paw, in a manner similar to which he was raised under the sprig to receive, or which I may hereafter be instructed in, to any person of acacia. By your being thus raised, is symbolized that you will or persons, unless it be to a true and lawful Brother or Brothers of -/ in some measure repair that loss, by imitating his bright example. this degree; and not unto him or them, until after strict examina- 4F-F-- 4-F-’ ~ ‘p-’ Raises him by the 1d~aster Mason’s grip. tion, due trial, or lawful information from a well-known Brother, that he or they are worthy of that confidence, or within the body My Brother, I accept and declare you an Intendant of the Build- ‘44 of a just, perfect, and regular Lodge of Intendants of the Build- ing, and one of the chief architects of the Masonic Temple. —F ing, or by sanction of constitutional authority; I will now put you in po,~cs~ion of th~..signs, grip, word, etc., That I will not be concerned with, aid, or assist in conferring this of this degree. -f’~ ~ degree, unless it shall be in a Lodge of Intendants of the Building, The three mysterious characters—the Hebrew letter (Yod) F F working under a Lodge of Perfection That I will not be concerned with, aid, or assist in conferring this thrice repeated—are the initials of the three sacred words of this degree upon any one, unless he has previously taken all the pre- degree, which are to be found in the center of the five-pointed star ceding degrees in a due and regular manner; in the East, surrounded by the triple interlaced triangle. That I will practice the duties of benevolence and charity; that The battery of five, the five lights on the altar, the five steps, ii I will not oppress or defraud anyone in my employ, nor abandon the five-pointed star, and the travel five times about the body of him when sick, feeble and unable to work; nor overwork nor under- the Lodge, are all emblematical of the first five Chief Architects. pay him; but will ever remember that he is my Brother, entitled The age is that of a Master IVfason (9), multiplied by that of an to sympathy, regard, and assistance; Entered Apprentice (3), representing that the Architect or Inten- That I will acknowledge the authority and obey the general dants were thrice powerful as Master and Chief of Architecture; laws, rules, and regulations of the United Supreme Council of the hence the number of lights in the Lodge. Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the Thirty-third Degree the statutes and laws of the Council of Deliberation of the State of INVESTITURE —, and the rules and by-laws of this or any other Lodge of My Brother, I now with pleasure decorate you with a crimson which I may become a member, so far as they may come to my / Cordon or Order, to which is suspended by a green ribbon a tri- knowledge. angular plate of gold—the Jewel of the degree. The crimson is The Candidate then repeats these last lines: emblematical of that zeal which should characterize you as an In- 2’F-’ A4~/ -~ To all these I promise and swear, binding myself under no less, tendant of the Building; and the green, of the hope that you will ~ ~a penalty than that of being deprived of my sight and hearing. honor and advance the Craft, and supply, so far as in you lies the So help me God. Amen! power, the place of oar late Grand Master Hiram. r -~ T. P.—My Brother, you have already been taught that your [also decorate you with this triangular Apron, of white, lined five steps and advancing five steps indicate that you should with crimson and bordered with green; on it you will observe the 44” ““~ receding recede from vice and advance to virtue; they are called the five F’ I five-pointed star which shines in the East, with the Hebrew letter steps of cractitudc. Your present posture is that of a dead man, (Yod) thrice repeated, in the center, which is to remind you of the and is to remind you of the unhappy fate of the Grand Master threefold essence of the Deity and of the three sacred words of Hiram, and that, like him, you should be dead to sin before you can this degree. Over the star is the equipoised balance of Justice; on ~- 2~9 be made alive to virtue. the flap of the apron you will observe, as on the jewel, the Hebrew ~ The crimson color of the robe covering you is emblematical of letters B, A, J—one on each angle of the triangle—having refer- ( ~ his zeal and heroic courage. ence to Ben-khurim, Achar, and Jakinah. May his zeal, courage, and resolution be yours; and, like him, 4’441 44~44

44-’ B 52 EIGUTH DEGREE EIGHTH DEGREE 53 >f / The number Five, in this degree, myBrother, has many illusions, T. P.—Together my brethren. some of which have already been ezplained to you; it is also to remind us of the five points of fellowship; that we are to go on a Brother’s errand or to his relief even barefoot and upon flinty OFFI CIAL DE CLARATIQN 1~44 ground; to remember him in your supplications to the Deity; to clasp him to your heart and protect him against misfortune and Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the Sentinel. 4’ 4 slander; to uphold him when about to stumble and fall; and to The Captain of the Guard instructs the Sentinel. give prudent, honest, and friendly counsel. Such are the duties you C. of G.—Brether Sentinel, this Lodge of Intendants of the are especially to observe and to teach to others, for they are the ‘Building is closed. first ordinances of Masonry. j7~4’.~-~ /7 /P~ f

CLOSING T. P.—~~’ Brother Captain of the Guard, your station ‘and duty? C. of G.—In the North, and, as the chief of the guards, to see that the Lodge is secure. -ih T. P.—Attend to your duty, and inform the Sentinel that I am about to close this Lodge of Intendants of the Building. The Captain of the Guard instructs the Sentinel, and reports: C. of G.—Thrice Potent, we are secure. Thrice Potent ++; Wardens rise. F F 1’. P.—Brother Joabert, are you an Intendant of the Building? S. W .—I have made the five steps of exactitude; I have penetrated into the innermost parts of the Temple, and have seen the great light, in which is the mysterious character Yod thrice repeated. — F ~ T. P.—What lesson are you taught in this degree? I /44 S. W.—That we should apply ourselves with zeal to whatsoever work may be required of us or allotted to us to do in the Temple— ever remembering that the Lord seeth. ~24~ T. P.—Brother Junior Warden, what is the hour? 4- F; J. W.—Close of day, Thrice Potent. V. P.—Then it is time to close our labors. Brother Senior War- den, give notice to the Brethren that I am about to close this Lodge of Intendants of the Building, that they may govern themselves accordingly. -4 S. W.—~I.’+ ~. Brethren, the Thrice Potent is about to close this Lodge of Intendants of the Building. Give your attention and assistance to the work. NINTH DEGREE 55 Jewel:—A dagger, hilt of gold and blade of silver. II During a reception the Thrice Potent and Senior Inspector wear Royal .4 robes with crown and sceptre; the Secretary wears robe and mitre of the High Priest. NINTH DEGREE—ELECT OF NINE The Junior Inspector and other officers are robed in black with cowls, and the apron, sash and jewel of this degree, and sit crosslegged during the working of the degree, with the right elbow on the knee and head on the right hand, as if fatigued. This degree was created by King Solomon to reward the fidelity Stranger clothed as a Shepherd. and zeal of Joabert, who was the first to detect and bring to justice Battery :~-+++++++÷ + AkLrop, one of the assassins of our operative Grand Master Hiram The lights are not lighted until the Chapter is opened. Abiff. It was also designed to iflustrate this lesson: “That we Hour:—First hour of night. should be careful how we allow ourselves to be led away by an excess of zeal, even in a good cause, to inflict, as an individual, the OPENING punishment justly due for the ~rdivine laws.” 1?. P.—4~ [C. of G. rises.] Brother Captain of the Guard, are A4~ipnof ~u1man~~1 all present Elect of Nine? 1’ DECORATtONS, OFFICERS, CLOTHING, ETC. C. of G.— [Examines.] They are, Thrice Potent. hangings are black, strewed with flames, suspended from eight 1?. P.—Brother Captain of the Guard, your station and duty? ~pf columns—fourThe on each side. There are nine great lights—eight forming C. of G.—In the North, to see the Guards duly posted and that an octagon around the altar, which is in the center; the other light is the Chapter is secure. placed halE way between the altar and the East. The altar is covered T. P.—Attend to your duty, and inform the Guards that I am with black, and on it are placed the Book of the Testimony, two cross about to open this Chapter of Elect of Nine. swords and a dagger. An urn, containing aniunber of white and black ballots, on the Secre- Captain of the ~3uardstations the guard, and says: tary’s desk. A room representing a cavern, lighted by a single lamp, in which is C. of G.—Guards, the Thrice Potent is about to open a Chapter placed a representation of Akirop sleeping; in one corner a cup of water, Elect of Nine. Take due notice and govern yourself accordingly. and a dagger by the side of the reclining assassin. C. of G.—Thxice I~otent, the guards are posted and the Chapter The body is styled a Chapter, and consists of nine members, who secure. represent the first Nine Elect. They are: T. P.—++ [Junior Inspector rises.] Brother Junior Inspector, Thrice Potent Master, represents King Solomon; k Senior Inspector, represents King Hiram; are you an Elect of Nine? 4unior Inspector, represents Adoniram; J. 1.—A cavern received me, a lamp lighted me, and a fountain Orator, represents Zabud; refreshed me. Secretary, represents Zadoc; J. P.—What are you taught as an Elect of Nine? Treasurer, represents Josaphat; J. 1.—That I should be careful how I suffer myself to be led Hospitaler, represents Ahishar; Master of Ceremonies, represents the Stranger Pharos, a poor astray by excess of zeal, even in a good cause, to exercise as an in- herdsman; dividual the vengeance due for the violation of divine and human Captain of the Guard, represents Banacas. laws. Apron :—White, lined and bordered with black, sprinkled with blood; T. P.—What is the hour? in the center, a bloody head held by the hair; on the flap, an arm holding J. 1.—The first hour of night. a dagger. 1, Sash :—A broad black watered ribbon, wornfrom the right shoulder 1?. P.—If it be the first hour of night, it is time to commence to the left hip; at the lower end nine red rosettes, four on each side and our work. Give notice tLiat I am about to open a Chapter of Elect one at the bottom, from which is pendant the of Nine. I j 64 J

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U 56 NINTH DEGREE NINTH DEGREE 57 J. I.—+++ [All rise.] Companions, the Thrice Potent is 1?. P.—Ask him if it relates to private or to public affairs, as we about to open a Chapter of Elect of Nine. Give your attention and are now in public council. assistance to the work. 0. of G.—[Opening the door.] The King is in public council, J. L—++++++++ + and inquires whether your business be on public or private affairs. T. P.—This Chapter of Elect of Nine is open. Brother Captain M. of 0.—On public affairs, and relates to the assassination of of the Guard, inform the Guard. his friend Hiram Abiff, the Builder. Captain of ~heGuard does so and reports. 0. of G.—Thrice Potent, the Shepherd has information in rela- V tion to the assassination of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff. RECEPTION 1?. P.—Let him enter. T. P.—+++ Brethren, it is hereby ordered that a general The Master of Ceremonies enter; advances to the East, kneels in front conclave of all Masons, of whatever degree, be assembled in the of the Thrice Potent, rises again, and stands with his arms crossed on h~s Main Court, to counsel upon such matters as shall thereat be made breast. known. The Captain of the Guard, under direction of the Junior 1?. P.—Stranger, speak freely. What have you to communicate? Inspector, will see this order immediately complied with. M. of 0.—Sovereign Master, I have ventured to solicit t[ie honor The Brethren, clothed ii~ the regalia of various degrees, and the Candidate as an Intendant of the Building, assemble in the Main Court as ordered, the of this interview, t[lat I may inform you that my herds feed on Master of Ceremonies remaining ~n the ante-room. The Thrice Potent and the mountains east of Joppa; while searching for one that had Senior Inspector entering Last, take their stations on the rostrum. strayed, I penetrated into the deepest recesses of the hills. I found 1?. P.—+ Judges, Masters and Brethren, you have been as- in a narrow valley the slain carcass of the animal I sought; and, V sembled for the important duty of counseling upon the best means following the trace of him who killed it, I came upon a cavern in to be adopted for the detection of the assassins of our late Grand the steep side of the mountain, and hiding myself near it, among Master Hiram Abiff. His blood still stains the floor of our Temple, the rocks, I saw at nightfall three persons enter, coming from the and his suffering and death yet remain unavenged. What further valley, answering to the description of the assassins of Hiram the course to pursue, is the cause of this gathering. Builder; then I crept near, and listening learned that they were ‘I A Brother.—Sovereign Master, what means have heretofore the murderers of whom your officers had been in search. Then, been adopted, and what progress has been made in obtaining any cautiously withdrawing, I came hither with all speed, to give in- clue of information tending to the arrest of the perpetrators of this formation, and also to offer you my services to guide to the cave foul deed? those whom you may select for that purpose. 1?. P.—The roll of workmen [las been called; the names of the 1?. P.—You have done well, my friend, and this favor shall not assassins have been ascertained; the country has been thoroughly go unrewarded. Masters and Brethren, you have heard the in- searched, and accurate descriptions sent to the uttermost parts of formation given by the Shepherd. our kingdom, but no tidings had; what further course to pursue is We commemorated the memory of our lamented Grand Master now submitted for deliberation, trusting that by some advice we by the ei~ection of a monument, thus testifying our love fot’ his may aid justice. virtues and our desire that his name should be forever honored Master of Ceremonies without, robed as a Shepherd, ++++++++ + by the craft~. While it is well that xve thus express our sorrow at 0. of G.—[Opening the door, says:] What is the cause of this his loss, and our desire to emulate his virtues, we must not forget alarm? that we have a sterner duty to perform dictated to us by the de- M. of 0.—A Shepherd desires a private audience with the Sov- mands of justice, and which. tells us that we have not done our ereign Master.’ whole duty until we have avenged his memory, by inflicting upon C. of G.—[Ciosing the door.] Thrice Potent, a Shepherd is his murderers that punishment w[lich their most heinous crime so without, and desires a private audience. richly merits. V Ii’

55 NINTH DEGREE NINTH DEGREE 59 This day, my Brethren, we are particularly favored, by having the selected Brethren to the door of the Chapter, and the Master of Ceremonies given to us the means of capturing them. The Shepherd informs ;++++++++ 4-; Captain of the Guard ++++++++ +, and opens I~f the door. us of the exact place of concealment of the ruffians whom we have desired to find, and he volunteers to guide those of you whom I C. of G.—Who is there? may select to that spot. It will doubtless be no unpleasant duty for M. of C.—Joabert, who has killed the ruffian Akirop, thus aveng- 13 you, my Brethren, to go upon this most righteous errand. I will ing the death of our Grand Master. He now desires to lay the therefore send those who may volunteer to accompany the guide. head at the foot of our Thrice Potent. I Those desirous of doing so may now rise. The Captain of the Guard admits them; the Master of Ceremonies and All rise. Candidate hurriedly approach the East, still carrying the head and dagger, and lay them at the feet of the King. I am exceedingly gratified at this new proof of your zeal, but 7’. P.—What means this? Whose head have you there? it will be impossible to send so large a number. It will be necessary ‘4 to select a few, that all may have an opportunity for this honor. M. of C.—[Salutes.] Sovereign Master, it is the head of Akirop, ~krhoslew our Grand Master. Joabert has right nobly avenged his II The Captain of the Guard will permit the brethren to draw ballots from an urn, and those who shall obtain the black ballots death. 44 7’. P.—Was he slain in combat? ii shall be the chosen few, not exceeding nine brethren, who will be guided to the cavern where the assassins are secreted. Let not the M. of 0.—No, Sovereign Master, he was stabbed in the head and law and justice be defrauded of their due; but, taking the assassins the heart while sleeping. alive, bring them hither to be tried and punished according to their 7’. P.—Then have our orders been most grossly violated, and •F we are deprived of the opportunity of inflicting a just punishment deserts. If you succeed, you shall receive new honors, and your Ii names as the Nine Elect shall be magnified in Israel. upon the greatest of criminals. Captain of the Guard, make ready ‘II The urn has two apartments, in one of which are placed the white ballots for an execution! Joabert has deprived us of the opportunity of and in the other all black. The Captain of the Guard, in presenting the urn avenging the death of Hiram Abiff by his rash act of disobedience, to the brethren, is careful to let the Candidate and eight others draw black and he shall bear the penalty which he has prevented us from ballots. This being done, the Thrice Potent says~ inflicting upon Akirop. 1’. P.—Let the Nine Elect approach. My Brethren, the lot has 1.—Thrice Potent, Joabert has been well known as a zealous fallen upon you to undertake this dangerous yet important duty. craftsman, and it is to his activity and zeal that we owe the dis- If you have the courage and resolution to proceed with this hazard- covery of Akirop. Pardon, then, II pray you, the excess of zeal ous task, go and prepare to set forth at the first hour of night. which in an unguarded moment betrayed him into a disregard of Those selected proceed on their journey, the Master of Ceremonies and your royal commands. Candidate at the head. After passing through the ante-room, the Master of Cerhinonies hurries the Candidate up and over the rough and rugged road; the All the Brethren exclaim, ‘‘Pardon him! Thrice Potent, pardon him!~~ 4’ rest lag behind; they then come to a place representing a cave, in which t 7’. P.—Joabert, in consideration of your zeal and past gQod con- is a Brother lying down as if asleep, and near his feet a dagger; suspended is a single dim light; also a spring of water, and a cup near to drink from. duct, as stated by the Inspector, you are pardoned. But you must While the Brethren are in the cave, the other Brethren and officers resume take a vow to obey henceforth the commands laid upon you by your their places in the Chapter room. superiors. Repair to the altar, and we will administer an obliga- H’ When they arrive at this cave, the Master of Ceremonies will give the • tion, and we will commemorate the punishment of Akirop for the Candidate the sign of silence, and say: ‘‘It is Akirop, one of the assassins; 5assination bf Hiram Abiff, by the institution of a degree, to be he sleeps; let us take advantage of this to avenge our Grand Master.” The as Master of Ceremonies then seizes the dagger and strikes him in the head and called, in honor of the Nine Brethren who went forth for his cap- ii 444~ heart; he takes the false head, which lies concealed by the Brother, and makes ture, >l’he Nine El~ct” — ~- wA the Candidate take the dagger in his right hand and the head in the left; he I- then causes the Candidate to drink from the spring, giving him water in the All should now leave but the Officers and the Nine Brethren. The Candidate cup. A voice exclaims, “Vengeance is taken!~’ They then will return with kheels at the altar, and takes the following obligation, with the left hand upon 14 I:. -‘ii

ii ¼ 1443; NINTH DEGREE NINTH D~I~J~ 61 the sword of the Thrice Potent, which is extended, and the right hana elevated, holding a dagger: Hiram Abiff. The bloody arm and red roses, the instrument and the blood shed by the eight and one Brethren to atone for his death. OBLIGATION The head of Akirop was placed on the pinnacle of the gate of the ,(21 Temple at the first hour of night. I, , do hereby and hereon most solemnly promise and You will now go and salute the Inspector, and then repair to swear, in the presence of Him who dwelletli between the Cherubim the Orator for the history of this degree. I and these Brethren about me assembled, that I will not reveal any of the secrets now about to be entrusted to my keeping, unto any HISTORY person or persons in the world, unless I shall know him or them / Orator—After the death of the Grand Master Hiram Abiff, the to be justly entitled to receive the same; ~I ,4¶ a three assassins having madetheir escape, a greatassembly of Masons fj That I will not be present, aid or assist in conferring this degree was convened by King Solomon to consult as to the best means of upon any person, unless he shall have previously received the pre- discovering and apprehending them. Their deliberations were inter- P ceding Symbolic and Ineffable degrees in a just and constitutional rupted by the entrance of a herdsman, who demanded to speak to ~it manner, and that to my ~ul1and entire satisfaction; the King. On being admitted to an inLervieW, he acquainted King That I will not aid or assist in conferring this degree, unless in Solomon that he had discovered three persons concealed in a cave a regular Chapter of Elect of Nine, duly constituted and holden near the coast of Joppa answering the description given of the in a Lodge of Perfection, or by the constituted authority of the traitors, and he offered to conduct those whom the King should United Supreme Council of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors General select to the place of their concealment. This being communicated I of the 33rd degree; to the Masters, they one and all eagerly requested to be made par- That I will obey the command laid upon me by my Masonic ticipators in the vengeance due the assassin. Solomon checked their I superiors, and endeavor to guard against rashly exceeding them; ardor, declaring that only nine should undertake the task; and to All of which I promise and swear, binding myself under no [ess avoid giving any offense, ordered a selection of nine of the brethren a penalty Lhan of being stabbed in my head jrnd heart if I should by lot to accompany the stranger. At the first hour of the night willfully be guilty of violating this my solemn obligation. So help Joabert, Stolkin, and seven others, conducted by the stranger, me God. Amen. ~rave1edonward through a rough and dreary country towards the 1?. P.—Receive now, my Brother, the signs and words which are coast of Joppa. On the way, Joabert, [earning that the murderers to be henceforth your means /of pe~gn~ion as an~LElect of Nine. were hidden in a cavern not far from where they then were, pressed Qn ahead, found the cavern, and entered it with the shepherd, where, by the dim light of the lamp, he discovered Akirop asleep, 2 ~. 1?. P.—My Brother, I now designate and present to you the jewel d’ S. with a dagger at his feet. Inflamed at the sight, and actuated by —~ of this degree. It is the avenging blade, whic[i will be sure to find the perjured and guilty traitor. an impatient zeal, he immediately seized the dagger and stabbed The lesson taught in this degree is that we should be careful him first in the head and then in the heart. Akirop had only time not to suffer ourselves, by our excess of zea[, to be led away, even in to say, “Necum” or “vengeance is taken,” and expired. Joabert a good cause, to eKecute as an individual the vengeance due for the then quenched his thirst at the fountain. When the eight arrived violation of divine or human laws. at the spot, they asked Joabert what he had done; he replied, 1? “I have slain Akirop, the assassin of our Grand M8ster, and have INVESTITURE performed a feat for the honor and glory of the craft, for which 1?. P.—I invest you with the other symbols of this degree. This I hope to be rewarded.” Joabert severed the head from the body, apron and sash denote the melancholy death of our Grand Master ~> and taking it in one hand and his dagger in tlie other, he witli the eight returned to Jerusalem. Joabert, in his zeal, hastened into ‘1’ ii ~lr 62 NINTH DBGRBB 14 ‘1! the presence of the King, passing the guards at the entrance. Solomon was at first very much offended that Joabert had put it out of his power to take vengeance in the presence of, and as a warning to, the rest of the workmen, and ordered the guards to put TENTH DEGREE—ELECT OF FIFTEEN I Joabert to death; but by the intercession of his Brethren he was pardoned for his zeal, and they became reconciled. Joabert became highly favored by Solomon, who established the degree of Elect of This degree is a continuation of the series known as the Elu, or Nine,~4 conferred it upon him /~d ,~is eight companions. Elect degrees, and recounts in detail the mode of the arrest and ‘7 ~, 7) ~ CLOSING punishment of the remaining two assassins of Hiram Abiff, and is intended morally to instruct us that ambition and fanaticism, en- 7’. P.—4~ Brother Captain of the Guard, your station and duty? slavers of mafikind, are overthrown and dispelled~ ~y~he sword of C. of G.—In the North, to see the Guards duty posted and that justice and freedom. ~ /.~ $e /~/ ~ 4’f the Chapter is secure. 7’. P.—Attend to your duty, and inform the Guards that] am DECORATIONS, OFFICERS, CLOTHING, ETC. l~ I about to close this Chapter of Elect of Nine. Ii The hangings are black, sprinkled with red and white tears. ‘I Captain of the Guard does so and reports. There are fifteen lights, five in the East, and five before each Warden; four forming a square, and one in the center; all of yellow wax. 7’. P.—+4~ Brother Junior Inspector, are you an Elect of L 3; The altar is covered with black, strewed with s[lver tears. Nine? On the altar the Great Light, Book of Constitutions, two cross swords J. 1.—A cavern received me, a lamp lighted me and a fountain and two daggers. refreshed me. The Thrice Potent Master, who represents King Solomon. 7’. P.—What are you taught as an Elect of Nine? The Senior Warden represents King Hiram, and sits on the right. 4 The Junior Warden, in the West, represents Adoniram, the son of J. 1.—That I should be careful how I suffer myself to be led Abda. away by an excess of zeal, even in a good cause, to exercise as an The Orator represents Zabud, the King’s friend. individual the vengeance due for the violation of divine and human The Secretary represents Zadoc, the Priest. laws. The Treasnrer represents Josaphat, the son of Ahilud, the Chancellor. 7’. P.—My Brother, what is the hour? The Hospitaler represents Ahishar, Governor of the House. 44~ The Captain of the Guard represents Zerbal. J. 1.—It is midnight. The Master of Ceremonies represents the stranger who gave informa- 4— 7’. P.—If it is midnight, then it is time to close our work; give tion of the place of concealment of the assassins. notice to the Brethren that I am about to close the Chapter of The number of members is regularly fifteen, and no more. Elect of Nine. The Apron is white, lined, edged and fringed with black, and the flap J. 1.—~4~4-~ Brethren, the Thrice Potent is about to close this black. In the middle are painted or embroidered three gates, and over each gate a head impaled on a spike. Chapter of Elect of Nine; give your attention and assistance to The Sash is a black ribbon or sash, worn from right to left, on the the work. front of which is painted or embroidered three heads. 111 Signs, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, II, 2, 1. The Jewel is a dagger, its hilt gold and its blade silver, hanging at the Thrice Potent ++++++++ + I1~ end of the sash. i’; During a reception the officers are dressed as in the ninth degree. 1 Junior Inspector ~++++ + 4, The age is 5 times 3, or 15 years. 7’. P.—This Chapter of Elect of Nine is closed. Brother Captain The hour for opening is the sixth hour of the night; the hour for of the Guard, inform the Guard. closing is the sixth hour of the day. The fifteen lights are not burning. 41 s~ 163] I.’ 64 TENTH DEGREE TENTH DEGREE 65 OPENING S. W.—He sent thither the fifteen Elect, bearing a letter to Maaha, tributary King of Gath, with a sufficient escort. 7’. P.—4~ Brethren, I am about to open this Chapter of Illus- 7’. P.—To whom was the letter committed? trious Elect of Fifteen. Brother Captain of the Guard, assure yourself that all present have attained that degree. S. W.—To Zerbal, Captain of the Guard, and one of the nine Elect. Captain of the Guard satisfies himself and reports: 7’. P.—Did the Fifteen succeed in apprehending the murderers? C. of G.—Thrice Potent, all present are Illustrious Elect of S. W.—They did, with the assistance furnished them by Maaka. F Fifteen. 7’. P.—Where did they discover them? 44 7’. P.—++++ Brother Captain of the Guard, see that the entrance to the Chapter is duly guarded, that we may not be dis- S. W.—In a quarry between Gath and Saphir, in which they had turbed in our deliberations. taken refuge. 7’. P.—By whom were they discovered? Captain of the Guard stations the guard. S. W.—By Joabert and Zerbal, two of the Elect of Fifteen C. of G.—Thrice Potent, the entrances to the Chapter are duly 7’. P.—Wha~ was done with the murderers? guarded, and we are secure. 7’. P.—Illustrious Brother Senior Inspector, how did you become S. W.—T hey were taken to Jerusalem, tried, convicted and an Illustrious Elect of Fifteen? executed. K S. W.—My zeal and indefatigable exertions procured me that 7’. P—Of what are these two murderers the types to the Illus- great hon6r far above my deserts. trious Elect of Fifteen? 7’. P.—Where were you received as such? S. W.—Of Ambition. S. W.—In the audience chamber of King Solomon, and by him- 7’. P.—What do three heads upon the apron and collar represent? self, in the presence of his court. S. W.—Ignorance, Tyranny and Fanaticism; the three enslavers

4-f’ - 7’. P.—How many Elect were at first received? of mankind, smitten by the sword of freedom. S. W.—Fifteen, including Joabert, whom I afterward repre- 7’ P.—What is the cause to which the Illustrious Elect of sented. Fifteen are now devoted? 7’. P.—On what occasion were they received? S. W.—That of the oppressed against the oppressor, and of S. W.—When King Solomon dispatched them to search for and ‘II Toleration against Intolerance.

—4’ apprehend the two murderers of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff, 7’. P—When did the fifteen Elect depart from Jerusalem? who still remained at large. S. W.—On the 15th day of the month Tanimuz. 7’. P.—Whither were they dispatched? 7’. P.—When did they arrive in Gath? S. W.—To the country near Gath, a city of the Philistines, S. W.—On the 18th day of the same month. where they had taken refuge, after they fled frQm the mountains 7’. P.—What is your age? east of Joppa, where Akirop was taken. S. W.—5 times 3, or 15 years, complete. -i 7’. P.—By whom was it discovered that they had taken refuge 7’. P.—What is the hour? there? S. W.—The sixth hour of the night. S. W.—By Ben-Dekar, one of the nine Elect, and afterward 7’. P.—Cause, then, the brethren to assemble around the altar, appointed viceroy over that portion of Palestine. that, renewing our pledge to one another, we may open this Chapter 7’. P.—What steps did King Solomon take to have them appre- of Illustrious Elect of Fifteen. hended? S. W,—~ Brethren, you will please assemble around the altar, that this Chapter may be opened in due and ancient form. TENTH DEGREE 67 66 TENTH DEGREE satisfied. Excellent Orator, what sayeth the law as to him who The brethren assemble around the altar in a circle, including all the officers, with their swords drawn. They raise their swords, and place the points together slayeth his brother? in the center at an angle of 45 degrees, and repeat as follows: 0.—If any man hate his neighbor, and lie in wait for him, and 0.—To the cause of every people that struggle against op- rise up against him and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth pression! into one of the cities of refuge, then the Elders of his city shall send J. W.—To the cause of all who defend Right and Justice against and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the Avenger Tyranny! of Blood, that he may die. Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou S. W.—To the cause of Toleration against Intolerance and shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may Persecution! go well with thee. 7’. P.—To the cause of Free Thought, U’ree Speech, Free Con- 7’. P.—Such is the law; and the land of Israel is not yet purified science! of the iunocent blood of our brother shed upon the floor of the All—We devote ourselves, our hands, our hearts, our intellects! Temple. One of his assassins has suffered swift punishment, but 7’. P.—Now, henceforward, and forever two remain at large, nor have yet been traced from their retreat in All—Amen! the mountains of Joppa. I fear they have escaped by sea, and All return to their places. Then the Thrice Potent gives the sign ~nd all are beyond our reach. the brethren answer. The Thrice Potent then ~~4++~ and a brother lights 0.—Most Potent King, doubt not that the Lord will at length the five lights in the East, the Thrice Potent saying: give the two assassins into thy hand, even as he did Akirop, when 7’. P.—A5 these lights shine in this Chapter, so shall the light of thou didst despair of discovering his retreat. Freedom illuminate the world. 7’. P.—The nine have even now returned from Galilee and the The Senior Warden ~ and a brother lights the five lights in front conb’ies of Phenicia, and have no trace whatever of the fugitives. of him. I know not what further steps to take. S. IV.—As my lights shine in this Chapter, so shall the light of The Master of Ceremonies, who represents Ben-Dekar, one of the Elect of Religious and Political Toleration rise upon the world. Nine, ~ at the door. The Junior Warden-+++++, and a brother lights the five lights in front C. of 0.—Thrice Potent King Solomon, there is an alarm at the of him. entrance of the audience chamber. J. W.—As my lights shine in this Chapter, so shall the light of 7’. P.—See who applies to enter, and what his errand is. Education and Intelligence yet shine in all the corners of the earth. The Captain of the Guard goes to the door, opens it, and asks: 7’. P.—So mote it be! My Brethren, this Chapter is duly opened in due and ancient form. C. of G.—Who is it that applies to enter here? M. of C.—Ben-Dekar, one of the Elect of Nine, who desires to Thrice Potent ~ and all are seated. have speech with our lord the King. 4. C. of 0.—Wait, then, my Brother, while I inform him of thy RECEPTION request. He closes the door and approaches the East. The officers being properly clothed and seated, the Candidate, clothed as an Elect of Nine, is received in the preparation room and carefully examined 7’. P.—Who is he that applies to enter? by the Master of Ceremonies in the work and principles of the ninth degree. C. of G.—Ben-Dekar, one of the Elect of Nine, who desires to if the examination be satisfactory, he is conducted into the Chapter, and directed to take a seat. have speech with thee, and craves permission to approach thy footstool. 7’. P.—My Brethren, we still lament the death of our illustrious T. P.—Let him enter and make known his tidings. I - Grand Master Hiram Abiff, and the demands of justice remain un- ‘1- I K-

—.444, i 1~

68 TENTH DEGREE TThNTH DEGREE’ 69 The Captain of the Guard opens the door, and the Master of C&remonies ~thenplaced in his way, and several more circuits are made, when he is con- enters, advances to the East, kneels, rises, and stands with his hands folded ducted to the ante-room, where the Captain of the Guard says: across his breast. C. of 0.—My Brethren, we now enter the city of Gath. Remain 7’. P.—What is thine errand, and the tidings that thou bringeth? here while I enter the city and present to King Maaka the letters M. of C.—Thrice Potent King Solomon, returning from Galilee of our lord the King. with my companions, and leaving them on the way, I traversed the mountains to Ekron. When at Ekron and at Ashdod I came upon He goes out, remains some time, returns and says: the track of the fugitives, and have returned hither to. inform my C. of 0.—Be of good cheer, my Brethren! The King of Gath has lord the King that they have taken refuge in the land of Gath. received with reverence the letters of our lord the King, and hath 7’. P.—Ben-Dekar, thou hast done well. I will forthwith send sent out his guards to scour the country in all directions in search messengers to my servant Maaka, with letters, requiring his assist- of the fugitives. They may have taken refuge in the quarries. Let

— 4, ance in searching out and capturing the fugitives. Let our Chan- us proceed hither. I’ cellor write such letters, and the Elect of Nine prepare to set forth They again enter the Chapter-room, and make several circuits as before. with sufficient escort. And, lest their number be too small, let six Then Zerbal says: K others go forth with them, selected by lot from among our servants, C. of 0.—Here is the entrance to a quarry; I will explore it making fifteen in all. Place thou in an urn, my Broth.er Adoniram, the names of all our Perfect Masters other than the Nine Elect, and with Joabert and Stolkin, while the rest keep watch without. let our Orator draw forth six names, and those so drawn, with the The Candidate, with the brethren who represent Joabert and Stolkin, then pass through a narrow passage, so low as to compel theni to stoop, and emerge -Il i~ine, shall go forth upon this expedition. into a small room representing a quarry in the rocks, lighted by two or three The Senior Warden places several names in an urn, upon slips of paper, and dim lamps, and in which are two men roughly dressed a,id with miner’s tools in their hands. II the Orator draws forth six in succession, reading, n~ he does so, the following names: C. of 0.—Behold the assassins. 0 .—Ben-Khased, Ben-Abinadab, Akhimaz, Bana Ben-Akhihed, The two—We are lost. Josaphat, the son of Pharaoh, Ben-Gaber. The two men throw down their tools and rush upon the three brothers; 1,. P.—Let the Elect of Nine and the six brethren named ad- Zerbal and the Candidate seize one, who submits, and they take his dagger from him. The other is seized by Stolkin. Zerbal, Stolkin and the Candidate vance. then return through the passage, rejoin the others, and all proceed to the ante- The Candidate and fourteen brothers, including the Master of Ceremonies, room, where they deliver the two prisoners to the guards. In the meantime the advance to the East, and the Thrice Potent says: Chapter room is lighted and the officers seated as before. The Master of Ceremoaies f.~f..f..f. at the door, which is answered by the Hospitaler within,

~‘ 7’. P.—My Brethren, it devolves on you to perform an important who opens the door and asks: duty; I place you under the command of Zerbal, who shall bear our ‘4. H.—Who apply to enter here? letters to Maaka, our servant, King of Gath. Go thither, speedily, M. of C.—TheElect of Fifteen, who were sent to the land of Gath and aided by the King, search his dominions for these murderers. in search of the assassins of our deceased Grand IVtaster. If you discover the assassins take them alive and bring them here H.—The King hath ordered that, upon your return, you at once to be tried and punished. Prepare to set forth at mid-day. appear before him. Enter. The Candidate and several brothers retire to the ante-room and lay aside The Candidate and the brethren eater, advance to the East, cross their hands their Nfasonic clothing and jewels, and each arms himself with a sword. In ‘1’ the meantime all the furnitlire of the Lodge room is removed except the lights. upon their breasts, and stand in silence. The Captain of the Guard, who represents Zerbal, then enters, conducting the- 7’. P.—Speak, Zerbal, hast thou succeeded? Candidate, and the other brothers follow. They proceed over a tortuous road, C. of 0.—My Lord, we have. We journeyed hence with all or make several times the circuit of the room, while the lights behind the Can- speed and by the shortest route to the city of Gath, where, my V didate, as he travels, are put out by degrees, until it is dark. Obstacles are

I-’- 4’- ‘4

70 TBNTH DBGRBB TENTH DEGREE 71 brethren remaining without the walls, I entered the city, obtained same causes as by my obligations in that degree I did, and to the immediate audience of the King, and laid before him my letters. cause of the oppressed against the oppressor everywhere, and of He received them with reverence, and forthwith dispatched his toleration against fanaticism and persecution, I irrevocably devote guards in every direction to seek the fugitives. Returning to my my hand, heart and intellect, under the penalty of having my body companions, we hastened to the quarries between Gath and Saphir, opened, my bowels taken from thence, burnt to ashes and scattered where I suspected the murderers were concealed; and coming to to the four winds of heaven, if I willfully violate this my obligation the entrance of one, 1, with Joabert and Stolldn, entered and found of an Elect of Fifteen. So help me, God! and keep me steadfast two men at work, whom I recognized as the assassins. We sprang in the due performance of the same. upon them; they defended themselves with their daggers, but we .~.. The swords are lowered, and one laid on the head of each of the brethren, I’, overpowered them, and, having sent this information to King and the Thrice Potent says: Maaka, we returned, and have delivered the two fugitives to the 7’. P.—I therefore declare you to be duly invested with the rank guards. and diguity of the Illustrious Elect of Fifteen, which degree I 7’. P.—Let them be chained and assigned to separate dungeons declare to be devoted now and always hereafter to Liberty and till the morrow. If, after fair trial, they are found guilty, then Toleration; and I invest you with its collar, apron and jewel, which let their bodies be forthwith opened, their bowels taken thence and need no explanation. burned to ashes, and scattered to the four winds of heaven; then let I will now instruct you in the sign, grip, word, etc., of this them be beheaded and their heads placed upon the West and South gates of the city as a terror to all evil doers. Have I said well, my I Brother? CLOSING ~ S. W.—Most well and wisely. ~-T~-.P.==.ZeibaI,Jwill reward you and your companions as you The floor is offered to the Wardens, and through them to the brethren. When silence is reported to prevail, notificlition is given, and the box of deserve. I will make you the members of a new order of nobility fraternal assistance passed around. After which: V and a new degree in Masonry to be styled the Illustrious Elect of 7’. P.—Brothei~ Senior Warden, what is the hour? 4’’ I Fifteen, which none shall receive hereafter except by unanimous vote. Place yourselves around the altar, my Brethren, and assume S. W.—Thrice Potent, the hour when the Fifteen Elect returned an obligation appropriate to the new degree. to Jerusalem. 7’. P.—The hour of rest has come; cause the brethren to assemble ____ The fifteen brethren stand around the altar in a circle, placing their hands on the cross-swords and cross-daggei s which are upon it, The other brethren around the altar, that, renewing our pledges to one another, we may encircle them, and form the roof of steel over them. In this position the fifteen close this Chapter of Illustrious Elect oe Fifteen. ~peat the following S. W.—~4-E4-E Brethren, you will please assemble around the altar, that this Chapter may be closed in due and ancient form. OBLIGATION - The brethren assemble around the altar, and the same ceremonies aie performed as in opening. Then all return to their places. The Thrice Potent I, ,in the presence of the Grand Architect of the Universe, gives the sign, and all the brethren the answer. Then the Thrice Poteat and under these swords drawn to protect and punish, do most +++++, and the lights in front of him are extinguished; the Senior solemnly swear that I will never reveal the secrets of this degree Warden +++++; and the lights in front of him are extinguished; the Junior Warden +++++, and the lights in front of him are extinguished; to any person in the world, unless it be to a person duly authorized and the Thrice Potent says: to receive them, and when I am duly authorized to communicate them; 7’. P.—This Chapter of Illustrious Elect of Fifteen is closed. I furthermore promise and swear that I will evermore punctually observe my obligations as an Elect of Nine; and again to the

‘‘4 ELEVENTH DEGREE 73 F C. of G.—Brother Inside Sentinel, the Thrice Potent Master is about to open this Chapter of Sublime Elect of Twelve. See that

the entrance to the Chapter is duly guarded. - The Inside Sentinel goes out, returns, f..f..f..f. .f., which is answered from without, returns to his place, and says: ELEVENTH DEGREE—SUBLIME ELECT OF TWELVE I. S.—Brother Captain of the Guard, the entrance to the Chap- ter is duly guarded, and we are secure from intrusion. MEANING OF THIS DEGREE C. of G.—Thrice Potent Master, the entrance to the Chapter is This, the third of the Elect Degrees, was intended to emblem- duly guarded, and we are secure from intrusion. atically illustrate the reward conferred by King Solomon upon 7’. P.—Illustrious Brother Senior Warden, are you a Sublime twelve of the Elect of Fifteen who were instrumental in bring- Elect of Twelve? ing to justice the assassins of the Master Builder Hiram, constitut- S. W.—My name will satisfy you that I am. ing them Governors over the twelve tribes of Israel—morally teach- 7’. P.—What is your name? ing us to be earnest, honest, and sincere, and to protec J~he people 4-e fy/~ix6ir /7 IA S. W.—Emeth. 4’ against illegal impositions and exactions. - 7’. P.—What does it signify? 4’ DECORATIONS, OFFICERS, CLOTHING, ETC. S. W.—A true man; just, fair, sincere, faithful, fearing God. This Lodge is also called a Chapter, and is decorated like that of the 7’. P.—Where were you received a Prince Emeth, or Elect of Tenth Degree, with the same hangings. Twelve? It is lighted, however, by twelve lights, by threes, in the East, West, frr North and South—each three forming an equilateral triangle. S. W.—In a place representing the audience chamber of King Officers aad titles same as in the Tenth Degree. Solomon. The Chapter regularly consists of twelve members only. 7’. P.—How many compose a Chapter of Sublime Elect of The apron is white, lined, edged and friaged with black, and the flap Twelve? black. S. W.—Twelve or more. In the middle of the apron is painted or embroidered a flaming heart. The cordon is a black ribbon, worn from right to left. Over the heart 7’. P.—Give me the sign. is painted or embroidered upon it a flamiag heart; and over that the Senior Warden gives it. words Vincere cut Mon. The Jewel is a dagger, worn suspended to the sash. 7’. P.—What does it signify? The age is twelve years. S. W.—That my faith cannot be shaken, and my confidence is in God. OPENING IF 7’. P.—What are the characteristics of an Elect of Twelve? 7’. P.—+ Brother Captain of the Guard, are all present Sub- S. W.—He is frank, fair, sincere, straightforward, reliable, lime Elect of Twelve? honest and upright, and thus is Emeth, a true man. Captain of the auard satisfies himself and reports: 7’. P.—Who were the first Elect of Twelve? S. W.—Those whom King Solomon made Princes and Governors C. of G.—Thrice Potent, they are. Israel. 7’. P.—~ Brother Captain of the Guard, I am about to open 7’. P.—What were their duties? this Chapter oe Sublime Elect of Twelve, in this place, for the S. W.—To provide supplies for the King and for his household, dispatch of business. See through the proper officer that the each one his month in the year; to see that the taxes were fully entrance to the Chapter is duly guarded. assessed; ~to superintend the- collection of the revenues, and to

172] - 44

74 ELEVENTH DEGREE ELEVENTH DEGREE 75 protect the people against the rapacity and extortion of the tax- RECEPTION gatherers and farmers of the revenue. The Candidate represents Ben-iDekar, who discovered where the two mur- 7’. P.—What are now the duties of an Elect of Twelve? derers had taken refuge. He wears tbe clothing and jewel of an Elect of S. W.—To be earnest, honest and sincere; to protect the people Fifteen, and is received in the ante-room by the Master of Ceremonies, conducted into the Chapter, and requested to be seated. Immediately afterward against illegal impositions and exactions; to guard their political the Captain of the Guard enters, approaches the East and makes bis obeisance rights, and to endeavor to make it lawful that those shall bear the to King Solomon, who asks: Kj burdens who reap the benefits of the government. 7’. P.—Welcome, Zerbal. Are the demands of justice satisfied? 7’. P.—What is the hour? S. W.—The sixth hour of the day. C. of G.—They are, my lord. According to the sentence of the court, the three assassins of the Master have been executed, con- T. P.—Cause, then, the Brethren to assemble around the altar fessing their guilt in the hearing of all the people; and their heads, that, renewing our pledges to each other, we may open this Chapter struck off after life was extinct, have been set over the East, West of Sublime Elect of Twelve. S. W.—~I-4’+ Brethren, assemble around the altar, that re- and South gates of the city. newing our pledges to each other, we may open this Chapter of 7’. P.—It is well; justice is satisfied; the majesty of the law is ‘4 Sublime Elect of Twelve. vindicated, and the land purified of the innocent blood shed in the Temple. Henceforward let our deceased brother and revered Mas- The brethren form a circle around the altar, with swords drawn, elevating which at an angle of forty-five degrees, and placing the points together in the ter be unto us, and unto all Masons, the symbol of Liberty, Intel- center, they repeat as follows ligence and Truth; and his assassins, of Tyranny, Ignorance and 0.—That the people among whom we live may be protected Intolerance; that the murder and its punishment may teach Ma- against illegal impositions. sons in all ages, not only the great moral lesson that God will not J. W.—That they may be secured in the enjoyment of their permit crime to go unpunished, and that justice will surely over- political and social rights. take the guilty, and the offence be unerringly followed by its consequences; but this other also; that the freedom of the State can S. W.—That the burdens of the government may be equally apportioned. only be attained and perpetuated by instructing the people, by All—We are and will forever remain united. following ignorance into its darkest dens, and there smiting it mortally, without mercy. My Brethren, the a~’fairs of the living, 0.—We will be true unto all men. ‘too long neglected in our sorrow for the dead and our pursuit of J. W.—We will be frank, honest and sincere in all things. 1’ S. W.—We will be earnest in doing that which it may be our the assassins, now demand our attention. Many complaints have dp~ accumulated, and much wrong and oppression is charged to exist. 1~,ty to do. Our Secretary will make known to you the nature of these com- 7’. P.—No man shall repent that he has relied upon our word. plaints. All—Mid to this we pledge ourselves as Masons and as true men. Sec.—Most Potent King Solomon, from all portions of the realm The brethren return to their places. The Thrice Potent says: there have come up complaints in regard to the collection of the revenue. Those who collect the tribute compound with the great 7’. P.—Together, brethren! and wealthy for bribes, and levy the deficiency on the poor. They All give the sign. practise extortion, and wring from the people far more than they The Thrice Potent ++++++++++++ pay into thy treasury. Their accounts are in arrears and unsettled; Senior Warden ++++++++++++ the contributions for the service of the Temple remain unpaid, and Junior Warden ++++++++++++ the farmers of the revenue grow rich, while thine army is ill-supplied 7’. P.—This Chapter of Sublime Elect of Twelve is duly opened. with food.

j C—- K -~ 76 ELEVENTH DEGREE ELEVENTH DEGREE 77 ‘~ I 4’ T. P.—This must no longer be so. But how shall the evil be duties of Governors in Israel and chiefs over the tribute, with the remedied? My Brother Hiram, aid me with th/ counsel and advice. resolution to discharge those duties faithfully and impartially?

- S. W.—Do not any longer farm out thy revenues, nor have thy All-We are. household, thine army and the Temple supplied by contributions. 7’. F.—Will you promise to deal honestly and fairly by all men; 4, Let thine own officers collect the tribute for a fixed compensation. to know no distinction of persons, and to see that none are subjected Place in each province of the kingdom thy representative, to super- to exaction, extortion or unjust imposition or burdens? intend the collection of the tribute, and let these in turn account to All-We will. certain officers here and they to thee. Thus thou wilt protect thy 7’. P.—Let, then, our Secretary write the decree by which we people and thy revenues be certain and abundant. appoint these twelve to be Governors in Israel and chiefs over the 7’. P.—I thank thee, my brother, for tliycounsel. Whom shall tribute; and we give to them supreme conlrol over the revenue of we set over this work, my Brother Adoniram? their provinces, with power to judge and punish all who are guilty J. W.—My lord the King, thou hast fifteen Elect, whose merils of extortion and oppression; making them our viceregents, each in entitle them to promotion and great honor. They will serve thee his province, to be obeyed accordingly. Go, therefore, my brethren, faithfully and wisely. and at the altar assume the obligation appropriate to the rank and 7’. P.—Thou hast well said. I will create twelve of the fifteen dignity of Princes Emeth and rulers over the tribute.

Elect to he Governors in Israel, with the title of Princes Emeth, .~— The Candidate and the eleven brothers surround the altar, each placing giving them in charge the collection of the revenues of my realm, his left hand on the cross-swords and raising his right toward heaven. The and supreme control, each in his province, as my viceregents or other brethren encircle them, and form the arch of steel over their heads, and those in the inner circle repeat the following: immediate representatives. They shall, also, when assembled, constitute a Chapter, and a new degree in Masonry be thus created, called the Sublime Elect of Twelve. And in order that no one OBLIGATION may be offended or mortified, let the twelve be selected by lot. 1, , in the presence of the Grand Architect of the Uni- Brother Secretary, write the names of the fifteen, each on a separate -I verse, and under these swords raised to protect and punish, do slip of parchment, and let the Master of Ceremonies place them hereby and hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear in an urn. that I will never reveal the secrets of this degree of Sublime Elect of This is done, and the Thrice Potent says: Twelve to any person in the world, unless to one duly authorized to receive them, and when I am legally authorized to communicate 7’. P.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, receive the urn and con- .1 them; vey it to Illustrious Brother Adoniram, in the West. Brother I furthermore promise and swear that I will ever, to the best Or~tor, repair to the West and assist Illustrious Brother Adoniram; ‘‘I of my ability, and with all my power, protect the people against and as he draws the lots, do thou aloud read the names, until twelve illegal impositions and exactions, and cause the burdens of govern- are drawn. Brother Secretary, record the names. 21 ment to be equally dislributed in proportion to the benefits received The Orator goes to the West. The Junior Warden draws in succession I- - therefrom; twelve slips from the urn and hands each, as he draws it, to the Orator, and tbe Secretary writes it down. I furthermore promise and swear that I will be forever true to the just cause in which, I may engage; frank and sincere in all 7’. P.—Let those whose names have been drawn approach the things; earnest in doing what is right for me to do; and firm in East. adhering to my purposes and promises, so that those who rely upon The Candidate and eleven brethren repair to the East and stand in front me may not be disappointed; of the Thrice Pote at, who says: All of which I do most sincerely promise and solemnly swear, 7’. P.—My Brethren, are you willing to take upon yourselves the binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my right

-1 ELEVENTH DEGREE 79 78 ELEVENTH DEGREE and left breast torn open, and being deemed by all men false to my S. W.—That the burdens of the government may be equally word, faithless and dishonorable. - apportioned. So help me, God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance All—We are and will forever remain united. of the same. Amen I 0.—We will be true unto all men. J. W.—We will be frank, honest and sincere in all things. 7’. P.—Arise, Princes Emeth and Governors in Israel, ax~d re- S. W.—We will be earnest in doing that which it may be our ccive the sign, grip, and word of this degree. —fe-t— duty to do. 7’. P.—No man shall repent that he has relied upon our word. Ii All-And to this we pledge ourselves as Masons and as true men. INVESTITURE The brethren return to their places. The Thrice Potent says: 7’. P.—I invest you, my brother, with the apron, collar and 7’. P.—Behold the East, my brethren. jewels of this degree; remember that you wear them as the successor and representative of a Sublime Elect or Prince Emeth of All give the sign. The Thrice Potent, Senior Warden and Junior Warden the Court of King Solomon; and that your conduct and conversa- rap 12, in succession; and the Thrice Potent says: .4 tion must be such as becomes one invested with so high. an honor. T. P.—My Brethren, this Chapter is closed. + The flaming hearts are symbols of that zeal and devotedness that V ought to animate you, and the motto is your pledge that you will rather die than betray the cause of the people, or be overcome i-I through your own fear or fault. You may now be seated. CLOS ING

The floor is offered, and the box of fraternal assistance passed round, as in other degrees, after which: 7’. P.—Brother Senior Warden, what is the hour? S. W.—The twelfth hour of the day, Thrice Potent. 7’. P—Then it is time to close this Chapter of Sublime Elect of .4 Twelve. Cause the Princes to assemble around the altar, that, renewing our pledges to each other, we may close this Chapter in due~and ancient form. S. ~ Brethren, assemble around the altar, and assist the Thrice Potent Master to close this Chapter in due and ancient form. The brethren form a circle around the altar, with swords drawn, elevating which at an angle of forty-five degrees, and placing the-points together in the center, they repeat as follows: 0.—That the people among whom we live may be protected againsl illegal impositions. J. W.—That they may be secured in the enjoyment of their political and social rights.

Al TWELFTH DEGREE Si On the reverse side are five columns, of the different orders of architecture, with the initial letter of the proper order below each, in Old English letters, arranged from left to right, Tuscan, Done, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite. Above these columns are a sector and a slide rule; below — I TWELFTH DEGREE—GRAND MASTER ARCHITECT them, the three kinds of compasses, the plain scale and parallel ruler; and between the second and third, and third and fourth columns, are the letters R. B. MEANING OF THIS DEGREE In front of each brother is a small table, and on it a case of instruments, with paper and other articles for drafting. The degree of Grand Master Architect was established as a Battery:—+++++ ++ school of instruction for the more advanced workmen of the Temple, to assure uniformity in work, vigor in its prosecution, and to reward ~~~~OPENING those more eminent in science and skill. The degree partakes of a 7’. P.—~ Illustrious Captain of the Guard, are all present scientific nature, in which therules of architecture and the connec— + tion of the liberal arts with Masonry are dwelt upon, and portions Grana Master Architects? of the Fellow Craft or Companion degree are amplified and ex- Capta[n of the Guard satisfies himself and reports: tensively illustrated. This degree requires of the neophyte that he 0. of G.— Thrice Potent Master, all present are Grand Master be thoroughly qualified, intellectually and morally, to be admitted, Architects. and instructs him that virtue is as necessiii~y as talents to every 7’. P.—Brother Captain of the Guard, our first care is to see Grand Master Architect. 4~-~ =j//~A~~/~. / Y that we are duly tyled and secure from intrusion. Attend to that 4 DECORATIONS, OFFICERS, CLOTHING, ETC. duty, and inform the Tyler that I am about to open a Chapter of Bodies of this degree are styled Chapters. Grand Master Architects here, and direct him to tyle accordingly. The hangings are white, and strewed with crimson flames. The Captain of the Guard goes out and instructs the Sentinel, returns, and Behind the Master, in the East, are five columns, each of a different raps ~ ~ which is answered from without, and reports: order of architecture: Tuscan, Done, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite. C. of G.—Thnice Potent Master, we are duly tyled: In the North is painted the North Star, and a little below it the seven stars of the Great Bear. tn the East, behind the columns, is a luminous T.iP.—How? - Star, representing Jupiter, rising in the East as the morning star. C. of G.—By a Brother Grand Master Architect without, armed Upon the altar, which is in the center of the room and covered with a —4 and resolute. white cloth of linen, are the Great Lights, the Book of Constitutions, and 7’. P.—His duty there? on it all the contents of a case of mathematical instruments. The Chapter is lighted by three Great Lights, one in the East, one in C. of G.—To see that none enter but such as are qualified and The West and one in the South. have your permission. Over the columns, in the East, hangs a Triangle, enclosiug the letters 7’. P.—Brethren, assume your stations. Illustrious Senior War- G. A. den, are you a Grand Master Architect? The officers and titles are the same as in the three preceding degrees. The Apron is white, lined and ho rdered with blue, and fringed with S. W.—I have studied mathematics, and am familiar with the gold. On it are painted or embroidered a protractor on the flap and in instruments used by a Grand Master Architect. the middle a plain scale, a sector and the compasses, so arranged as to 7’. P.—What are those instruments? form a triangle. S. W.—The different compasses, the parallel ruler, the pro- ~1 II The Cordon is a broad blue watered ribbon, worn from the left tractor, the plain scale, the sector and the slide rule. shoulder to the right hip. 7’. P.—What lesson do the different compasses teach us? The Jewel is a triangle of gold; on each angle, on one side, is a star enclosed in a semicircle. In the center, on the same side, is an equilateral S. W.—That life and time are but a point in the center of triangle, formed by arcs of circles, in the center of which is the letter M. eternity; while the circle of God’s attributes is infinite. ~if [80] TWELFTH DEGREE 83 82 TWELFTH DEGREE —I 7’. P.—What lesson does the parallel ruler teach us’? 7’. P.—What is the hour V S. W.—That we should be consistent, firm, ujiwavering, and of S. W.—The Star has risen. 7’. P.—What is the age of it Grand Master Architect? that equanimity of mind and temper which befits a Mason. S. W.—Five times the square of three, or forty-five years. 1 7’. P.—What lesson does the protractor teach usV S. W.—That we should be apright and sincere, frank in all our 7’. P.—The hour of work has arrived. Give notice to the Grand Master that I am about to open a Chapter of Grand Master Archi- deidings, moderate in our professions, and exact and punctual in performance. tects, that they may aid me in so doing. II 7’. P.—What lesson does the plain seale teach us? S. W.—Brethren in the North, the Thrice Potent Master is about S. W.—That we do not live only for ourselves, but for others, to open a Chapter of Grand Master Architects, and desires your so as in just and proper measure to serve ourselves, our families, assistance, since the hour of work has arrived. our friends, our neighbors, and our country. J. W.—Brethren in the South, the Thrice Potent Master is about to open a Chapter of Grand Master Architects, and desires your 7’. P.—What lesson does the sector teach as V S. W.—That we should maltiply our good deeds, divide that assistance, since the hour of work has arrived. which we can spare of our substance among those who need it more 7’. P.—The sign, my brethren. than we, and extract the good that is intended to benefit and bless All give the sign. Then the Thrice Potent Ms~ster, the Senior Warden and Junior Warden rap in succession five and two, and all the brethren the same us from the reverses and calamities of life. with their hands; and the Thrice Potent Master says: T. P.—What lesson does the slide rule teach us? S. W.—That we should strive to grasp and solve the great prob- 7’. P.—I declare this Chapter duly opened. + lem presented by the Universe, and involved in our existence; to know and understand the lofty truths of Philosophy, and to com- RECEPTION municate freely of our knowledge unto others. The Candidate, in the clothing and with the jewel of the eleventh degree, 7’. P.—Where were you received and made a Grand Master is received in the ante room by the Master of Ceremonies, who examines him Architect? in the work of that degree, and in its principles, and, if he finds him well informed, conducts him to the door of the Chapter and raps live and two. S. W.—In a place representing the Chamber of Designs, assigned The Captain of the Guard opens the door, and asks: to the Master Hiram in King Solomon’s Temple. 7’. P.—At what hour? C. of G.—Who comes here, and what is his desire? S. W.—When the Day Star has risen in>the East and the North M. of 0.—A Sublime Elect of Twelve, who desires to receive Star looked down upon the seven stars that circle around him. the degree of Grand Master Architect. 7’. P.—Of what is the North Star a symbol to a Mason V C. of G.—IIas he been true to the pledges which, as an Elect of ~ S. W.—Of Truth, the pole star that guides Masons over the Nine, Illustrious Elect of Fifteen, and Sublime Elect of Twelve, stormy seas of time. he has made to his brethren? 7’. P.—Of what are the seven stars the symbol V A!. of 0.—He has. S. W.—Of a Mason’s loyalty to Truth and Right, to his Order C. of G.—Why does he desire to receive the degree of Grand and to his country. Master Architect V 7’. P.—What do the five columns in the East teach us’? 111. of G.—That he may increase in knowledge and be better fitted S. W.—That Masonry, in all its orders and degrees, like archi- to discharge the duties of a good Mason. tecture, is one; the same in all count’ries and in all ages. C. of G.—Let him wait with patience until the Thrice Potent 7’. P.—What does the Day Star signify, rising in the East, Master is informed of his request, and his answer returned. behind the columnsV The Captain of the Guard closes the door and advances to the East, and the S. W.—That the daylight of Perfection approaches. seine questions are there asked, and like answers returned, as at the door. 44

84 !PWELFT1~ DEOlIEB TWELFTH- DEGREE 85

7’. P.—Let him enter and be received in due form. upon me, and I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and 4— The Captain of the Guard returns to the door, opens it, and says: esteemed riches nothing in comparison to her. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath He established C. of G.—Let him enter and be received in due form. the heavens. The Candidate enters, conducted by the Master of Ceremonies, and is led S. W.—[Fifth circuit.] Get wisdom! Exalt her and she shall three times around the Chapter, while the Junior Warden reads as follows: promote thee; she shall bring thee tohonor, when thou dost embrace 4 C J. W.—[First circuit.] A wise man will hear and increase in her. She shall give to thy head an ornament of- grace; a crown of learning, and a man of understanding will attain unto wise coun- glory shall she deliver to thee. sels; to understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the word At the end of the fifth circuit, the Candidate is baIted in front of tbe Senior of the sages and their obscure sayings. Warden, who asks: J. W.— [Second circuit. I Wisdom preventefh them that covet S. W.—Whom bring you hither, Venerable Brother Master of her, so that she first showeth herself unto them. He that awaketh Ceremonies? to seek her shall not labor; for he shall find her sitting at his door. A!. of 0.—A Prince Emeth, who desires to obtain the degree of The Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth come knowledge and Grand Master Architect. understanding. S. W.—Why does he desire to receive this degree? ii J. W.—[Third circuit.] When wisdom entereth into~ thine A!. of 0.—That he may increase in knowledge and be the better heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul, discretion shall fitted to discharge the duties of a good Mason. preserve thee, and understanding shall keep thee, and thou shalt S. W.—My Brother, dost thou well remember thy pledges to understand righteousness, judgment, equity and every good path. ‘I thy brethren, made by thee as an Illustrious Elect of Fifteen? I At the end of the third circuit, the Candidate is halted in front of the Can.—I do. Junior Warden, who asks: S. W.—Hast thou endeavored faithfully to fulfill these pledges? -i J. W.—Whom bring you hither, Venerable Brother Master of Can.—I have. Ceremonies? S. W.—Then thou hast my permission to pass on for further -I A!. of 0—A Prince Emeth, who desires to obtain the degrees of examination—and may thy search for wisdom prove successful. Grand Master Architect. The Candidate is then conducted twice more around the room; wbile tbe J. W.—Why does he desire to receive this degree? Thrice Potent Master reads: A!. of 0.—That he may increase in knowledge and be the better 7’. P.—[Sixth circuit.] No evil can overcome wisdom. She fitted to discharge the duties of a good Mason. glorified her nobility by being conversant with God, and the Lord

~. J. W.—My Brother, dost thou well remember thy pledges to thy of all things loveth her. For it is she that teacheth knowledge of brethren, made by thee as an Elect of Nine? God and is the expounder of His worl~s. Can.—I do. 7’. P.—[Seventh circuit. I She knoweth things past, and judgeth J. W.—Hast thou endeavored faithfully to fulfil these pledges ‘~ things to come. She knoweth the subtleties of speeches, and the Can.—I have. solutions of arguments; she knoweth signs and wonders before they J. W.—Then thou hast my permission to pass on for further be done, and the events of times and ages. By means of her we examination—and may thy search for wisdom prove successful. shall have immortality. 1: The Candidate is then conducted twice more a~innd the room; while the At the end of the seventh circuit, the Candidate is halted in front of the ‘C Senior Warden reads as follows: Thrice Potent Master, who asks: S. W.--—-tPourth circuit.] I wished, and understanding was 7’. P.—Whom bring you hither, Venerable Brother Master of - ,C 44 1’ - given me; and I called upon God and the spirit of wisdom came Ceremonies? C1

C .1 4 TWELFTH DEGREE 86 TWELFTH DEGREE 87 A!. of 0.—A Prince Emeth, who desires to obtain the degree of tect. So help me, God, and keep me steadfast in the due perform- Grand Master Architect. ance of the same. 7’. P.—Why does he desire to receive this degree? 7’. P.—By the authority in me vested, as the successor of Adon- iram, the son of Abda, and Hiram Abiff, our Grand Master, I 4’ 4 A!. of 0.—That he may increase in knowledge and be the better 44 declare you to be duly elevated to the degree of Grand Master t4 fitted to discharge the duties of a good Mason. Architect. C T~ P.—My Brother, dost thou well remember thy pledges to thy brethren, made by thee as a Sublime Elect of Twelve? -Arise and receive the sign, grip and words of this degree. -3—---$~/-~/~-./~4 Can.—I do. 7’. P.—It is well. Of what art thou in search? 7/6.-. 6~fJ ~-~XA4 ~t - Can.—Of wisdom. INVESTITURE 7’. P.—It is the true Masonic Light. He who obeys the Masonic 7’. P.—I invest you with, the apron, collar and jewel of this / law shall find it. ree. Their colors, white and blue, will remind you of what is corn-. — 7’. P.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, you will conduct this - monly called Symbolic Masonry, or the Blue degrees; the founda- Brother to the altar of Masonry, and place him in proper position to tion, but not the completion and perfection of Masonry. Upon assame the obligation of a Grand Master Architect. the apron and jewel you see the five orders of Architecture, and The Candidate is conducted to the altar and made to kneel on both knees, the instruments of a Grand Master Architect, the symbolic meaning with his hands upon the Holy Bible and the instruments which are upon it, in which position he repeats the following of which you have yet to learn. I now present you with the instruments with which a Grand Master Architect works. Listen and

OBLIGATION - you shall learn their uses, and of what they are the symbols to us in this degree.---~7~-r~ b—ft- ~-~------I, ,in the presence of the Grand Architect of the Uni- verse, and of this Chapter of Grand Master Architects, do solemnly The Thrice Potent ~aster and Senior Warden repeat the questions and answers as in the opening ceremony, as follows, the Candidate remaining promise and swear that I will never reveal the secrets of this degree standing: to any person in the world, unless to one duly authorized to receive 7’. P.—Illustrious Senior Warden, what are the instruments them, and when I am legally anthorized to communicate them used by a Grand Master Architect? I furthermore promise and swear that during all my life, within S. W.—The different compasses, the parallel ruler, the pro- the Chapter and without, I will earnestly endeavor to conduct my- -~ tractor, the plain scale, the sector and the slide rule. I, self in a manner suitable to the character of one who aspires to be 7’. P.—What lesson do the different’ compasses teach us? tJjCe successor of those men, illustrious for their virtues, who were the chief Architects of the Temple. S. W.—That life and time are but a point in the center of I furthermore promise and swear that I will strive to practice eternity; while the circle of God’s attributes is infinite. 7’. P.—What lesson does the parallel ruler teach us? all the virtues of which the instruments before me are the symbols, S. W.—That we should be firm, consistent, unwavering and of as they shall be hereafter explained to me, so far as human infirmity that equanimity of mind and temper which befits a Mason. will allow; All which I do solemnly promise and swear, under the penalty 7’. P.—What lesson does the protractor teach us? S. W.—That we should be upright and sincere, frank in all our of being abandoned by my friends and hunted by my enemies, and dealings, moderate in our professions and eKact and punctual in of forfeiting all claim to assistance in danger, comfort in calamity and support in difficulty, from any Mason in the world, that my performance. 7’. P.—What lesson does the plain scale teach us? left hand may be severed in twain if I should ever be guilty of intentionally violating this my obligation of a Grand Master Archi- S. W.—That we do not live only for ourselves, but for others, ( TWELFTH I?EGBEE II 88

-1 so as in just and proper measure to serve ourselves, our families, our friends, our neighbors and our country. I 7’. P.—What lesson does the sector teach us? S. W.—That we should multiply our good deeds, divide that THIRTEENTH DEGREE—ROYAL ARCH OF ENOCH; Cl whichCwe can spare of our substance among those who need it more OR, KNIGHTS OF THE NinTH ARCH than we, and extract the good that is intended to benefit and bless

us from the reverses and calamities of life. MSANING OF THIS DEGREE 7’. P.—What lesson does the slide rule teach us? S. W.—That we should strive to grasp and solve the great prob- I This is an important and interesting degree in the Ineffable lem presented by the Universe, and involved in our existence; to Series. Matters that have only been obscurelyhinted at and darkly C’ know and understand the lofty truths of Philosophy, and to com- shadowed forth in the preceding degrees, in this, rapidly culminate

municate freely of our knowledge unto others. C toward the development of the grand mystery of Masonry, fully 7’. P.— [Addressing the Candidate.] Such are the instraments explained in the sublime degree of Perfection. The dark clouds of a Grand Master Architect, and such the lessons which they teach and mists that have hitherto veiled the sacred mysteries now begin us. Forget not that you have solemnly sworn to practice all the tobe dispelled; the glorious dawn illumines the East with its bright virtues which they symbolically teach; for thus only can you de- effulgence, and its rays penetrate into dark and hidden places. serve, how proudly soever you may wear the title of a Grand This degree is closely connected with that which follows it, and Master Architect. forms a beautiful, solemn and impressive introductory to it. The CLOSING Lecture is full, and of great interest. J’~r~ J’> //~/;.// ~ / ~i

The floor is offered, and the box of fraternal assistance passed around, as DECORATIOgS, OFFICERS, CLOTHING, ETC. in the preceding degrees, after which This Chapter of Royal Arch of Solomon represents the Audience 7’. P.—~’ ~ Illustrious Senior Warden, what is the hour? Chamber of King Solomon. The hangings are alternately red and white. King Solomon is seated in the East. S. W.—The sun has set and the evening star has risen. Hiram, King of Tyre, is also in the East, on the left of King Solomon. 7’. P.—The hour of rest has arrived. Give notice to the Grand Senior Warden represents Gibulum, and is seated in the West. Masters that I am about to close this Chapter of Grand Master Junior Warden represents Stolkin, and is seated in the South. Architects, that they may aid me in so doing. Treasurer (who represents Joabert), Secretary, Master of Ceremonies, S. W.—Brethren in the North, the Thrice Potent Master is about Captain of the Guard and other officers stationed as in a Lodge of -4 Perfection. to close this Chapter of Grand Master Architects, and desires your All Officers and Companions, except Kings, clothed in black, with 11, assistan cc, since the hour of rest has arrived. apron, collar and jewel of this degree or of their particular office. J. W.—Brethren in the South, the Thrjce Potent Master is King Solomon wears a yellow robe, purple chasuble, lined with blue, about to close this Chapter of Grand Master Architects, and desires sleeves reaching the elbows, and rich purple sash, with jewel. your assistance, since the hoar of rest has arrived. King Hiram of Tyre wears a purple robe, yellow chasuble, and rich purple sash, with jewel. 7’. P.—The sign, my Brethren, Apron :—Purple silk or velvet, bordered with white; in the center of All give the sign. Then the Thrice Potent Master, the Senini Warden and the area the Enochian delta, with rays. Junior Warden rap in succession five and two, and all the brethren the same Collar :—Purple silk or velvet, and suspended to it the jewel. with their hands, and the Thrice Potent Master says: Jewel:—A gold triangle, on which is engraved the delta of Enoch, with 7’. P.—This Chapter is duly closed, ~ rays. On the obverse side of the jewel is a representation of the first three recipients of this degree, two of them lowering the third into the subterranean vault. Around this device, the initials of the words “Reg- nante Sapientissimo Salamone, Gibulum, Joabert et Stolkin invenerunt [89 3

Ii —4

90 THIRTEENTH DEGREE THIRTEENTH DEGREE 91 pertisissimum Artificum thesaut-un subter ruinas Enoch, Anno Mundi, Cl Arch. Assemble at the altar, and give your attention and assistance 2995.” Lights :—Three in the East, three in the West, and three in the South. to the work. Battery: +++ +++ +++ All assemble at the altar, except the King and Wardens, who recite the OPENING LESSON T. P.—+ Captain of the Guard, are all present Knights of the Ninth or Royal Arch? T. P.—The Lord is great in Zion. Let all the earth praise Him

The Captain of the Guard satisfies himself and reports: for His great and terrible name; for it is holy C — Cl S. W.—Exalt the Lord our God, and worship on His holy hill. Ct C. of G.—Thrice Potent, all present are Knights of the Ninth or J. W.—He spake from the cloudy pillar and from the fire; and Cl Royal Arch. from the depth cometh forth the riches of secret places. T. P.—Your station? C. of G.—In the North, and at the head of the Guard. T. P.—Exalt the Lord our God, for He is holy; and His name, for it is from everlasting to everlasting. T. P.—Your duty? S. W.—What is man, that He should magnify him, or that He C. of G.—To station the Guards, and see that the Chapter is should set His heart upon him? secure. J. W.—We are but of yesterday, and know nothing. Our days T. P.—Attend to your duty, and inform the Guards that I am IC are but a shadow; they flee, and we know not. about to open a Chapter of Knights of the Ninth Arch. T. P.—Canst thou, by searching, find out God? Canst thou find The Captain of the Guard does so and reports: out the Almighty to perfection? He is as high as heaven. What canst thou do? He is deeper than hell. What canat thou know? C. of G.—It is done, Thrice Potent; we are secure. S. W.—His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his T. P.—++ [The officers rise.] Companion Junior Warden doings. Stolkin, are you a Knight of the Ninth or Royal Arch? J. W.—O God, let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy J. W.—I have penetrated into the bowels of the earth through glory unto the children of men! nine arches, and have brought thence a treasure to enrich and adorn the Temple of God. T. P.—Let - the beauty of the Lord be upon us, and establish T. P.—Companion Senior Warden Gibulum, what is the lesson Thou the work of our hands; 0, Jehovah, establish Thou it. tai~ht in this degree of the Ninth Arch? S. W.—I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing S. W.—That difficulties and dangers, however great, should not praises unto my God while I have my being. deter the true and faithful Brother from progressing to perfection. J. W.—My meditations of Him shall be sweet; I will be glad T. P.—What is the hour? in the Lord. S. W.—The rising of the sun. T. P.—Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the T. P.—If the rising of the sun, it is time to commence our work, end of that man is peace. “Mine eyes shall be on the perfect man,” and profit by its light. Senior Warden, give notice to the Com- saith, the Lord. “The perfect of the land shall dwell with me; panions that I am about to open a Chapter of Knights of the Ninth they shall walk in my name and serve me forever. “—Companions, If Arch. let us give thanks unto the Lord, who hath given us the treasures S. W.—+++ Companion Junior Warden and Companions, of darkness and the hidden riches of secret places. the Thrice Potent is about to open a Chapter of Knights of the Ninth The Kings and Wardens then come forward to the altar, and all kneel on the left knee, when the following prayer is offered up by the Thrice Potent: -CA C — Cl C41 ThIRTEENTH DEGREE 93 92 THIRTEENTH DEGREE of the Ninth Arch is open for the dispatch of business. Captain 4~C PRAYER CVC4VCC of the Guard, inform the Guard. 4. 4’ CCI 41~ CI 0, thou great and eternal Lord God, source of light and love— thou Sovereign Inspector and Mighty Architect of the wonders of RECEPTION Creation—who from thy throne in the highest heaven in mercy The Candidate in the ante- room, dressed as a Grand Master Architect, is in company with the Master of Ceremonies and several Masters, Intendants of the looketh down upon all the dwellers of the earth, lend, we beseech Building, Grand Master Architects, etc. The Master of Ceremonies conducts thee, thine ears to the prayers and petitions of thy unworthy serv- CCC them all to the entrance door, and +4.4. +4.4. 4.4.4. ants now assembled in thy presence, to teach the mysteries of that J.W.—4.4.4. 4.4.4. 4.4.4. Sublime Edifice which is erected and dedicated to thy Most Holy S.W.—4.4.4. 4.4.4. 4.4.4. and Glorious Name. Pour upon us, and all the members of the T.P.—4.4.4. 4.4.4. 4.4.4. Mystic Craft throughout the two hemispheres, the rich blessings 14 J. W.—Companion senior Warden, there is an alarm of three CCCI of thy Providence. Give us strength to overcome temptations, to times three at the entrance of this Chapter of Knights of the Ninth 42 subdue our passions, and to practice virtue. Fill our hearts with Arch. fear without desolation; with confidence without presumption; IC S. W.—Thr ice Potent, there is an alarm of three times three with piety without allusion; and with joy without licentiousness. Cl at the entrance of this Chapter of Knights of the Ninth Arch. Fill our hearts with tender affections for thy divine goodness, and t~. T. P.—Companion Senior Warden, see the cause of this alarm, love for our neighbors; make us faithful to our friends and 444 and who knocks as a Knight of the Ninth Arch. charitable to our enemies. Dispose our hearts, 0! Thou God S. W.—Captain of the Guard, see the cause of this alarm, and Eternal, to receive the splendid impressions of Religion and Hu- C44C who knocks as a Knight of the Ninth Arch. manity; our minds, the great lights of Science; and direct our C.of’G.—IIGoes to the door (4.4.4. 4.4.4. 4.4.4.) opens it footsteps in the bright paths of virtue. partially, and says] : What is the cause of this alarm? Who comes Let all our actions prove to an admiring world, that our lives here? are sincerely dedicated to Thee, our God, and to the relief of our M. of C.—Several Masters and Intendants of the Building and fellow-creatures. And finally, when we yield up our breath to Thee, Grand Master Architects, who have with much zeal and labor the Source of Life, may we, bearing the rich harvest of good actions, assisted in the ereetion of the Temple, now, on its near completion, be admitted into that Sublime and Eternal Lodge where happiness request to be admitted to the Secret Vault under the Sanctum reigns without alloy, and where, around the throne of the Great 11 44 Sanctorum. Jehovah, we shall sing hallelujahs to his name. C. of G.—Are you what you represent yourselves to be in Ma- Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the only Wise •CI~ 4C1C sonry? Gad, be the kingdom, power, and glory, forever and ever. Amen! All—~We are. All-God grant it! So mote it be. J C. of G.—Satisfy me by signs and words.

T. P.—4. 4.4. [All rise, resume their stations.] Companions “CC The Candidate gives the signs and words of a Grand Master Architect. CC C attend and give the signs. C. of G.—Compllnion Master of Ceremonies, you have introduced J.W.—4.4.4. 4.4.4. 4.4.4. these Brothers to the entrance of the audience-chamber. Do you 5.W.—4.4.4. 4.4.4. 4.4.4. If vouch for them as being worthy and well qualified? T.P.—4.4.4. 4.4.4. 4.4.4. C24 M. of C.—I do. All-4.4.4. 4.4.4. 4.4.4. ~1 C. of G.—It is well. YouC will wait until your request is made T. P.—Senior Warden, give notice that a Chapter of Knights known to the Most Potent and Illustrious Kings now in the audi- of the Ninth Arch is open for the dispatch of business. CCCClCCC 41 ence-chamber. S. W.—Junior Warden and Companions, a Chapter of Knights IC C .~C4C 4-i IL CV —Cl CCC

94 THIRTEENTH DEGRER THIRTEENTH DEGREE 95 Captain of the Guard returns to the Chapter room, closes the door, and says: act. You well know that, by mutual agreement, we were to beg C. of G.—Companion Senior Warden, several Masters, Intend- the privilege of advancement. How we have met with favor to your ants of the Building and Grand Master Architects, for whom I prejudice, we have no knowledge. On the contrary we may be vouch, who have with much zeal and labor assisted in the erection detained to receive punishment f or some act in which we have ignorantly erred. Whatever the object we must ever remember our C 4 of the Temple, now, on its near completion, request to be admitted ‘II to the Secret Vault under the Sanctum Sanetorum. solemn obligations. T. P.—Companion Senior Warden, what is the cause of this 1st Bro.—Brother Joabert is right. Let us go in peace. alarm at the entrance of our Chapter? They now all leave the preparation-room by the outer door except Joabert, Gibulum and Stolkin. While the above is transpiring in the preparation-room S. W.—Several Masters, Intendants of the Building and Grand the Thrice Potent will say: Master Architects, for whom I vouch, who have with much zeal and C I labor assisted in the erection of the Temple, now, on its near com- T. P.—Companion Senior Warden, you will request the attend- pletion, request to be admitted to the Secret Vault under the Sanc- ance of Brothers Joabert, Gibulum and Stolkin in the audience- tum Sanetorum. chamber. Senior Warden repairs to the preparatipa-room. T. P—Inform them that their request cannot now be granted— Cl to go in peace. If the Brothers Joabert, Gibulum and Stolkin are S. W.—Brothers Joabert, Gibulum and Stolkin, the Most Potent among those soliciting admittance, you will juform them that I and Illustrious Kings request your attendance in the audience- shall demand their presence before us, they will therefore await chamber. our pleasure. Two Candidates and Master of Ceremonies follow him to the audience- chamber, and stand in the West. Captain of the Guard returns to the entrance, opens the door, and says: T. P.—My Brothers, you have been especially selected from C. of G.—Brothers, your request cannot now be granted. Go in among your companions to perform a delicate and dangerous duty, C 4 peace. If the Brothers Joabert, Gibulum and Stolkin are among which, if successful, will rebound to your credit, the glory of Ma- you, they will remain in attendance as our Illustrious King Solomon sonry and the benefit of mankind. Your zeal, constancy and firm- will command their presence after a time. You will now retire and ness have induced me to select you for the purpose. In digging await orders. for a foundation for the teI~CpIe, at the spot first selected for that purpose, we found the ruins of an ancient ediace, which we sup- All now retire to the preparation-room when a dissension arises among the brethren. posed to have been built before the Flood, and devoted to idolatrous purposes. We, therefore, abandoned ‘the spot, and selected another 1st Bro.—Why are we thus unjustly treated? Are Joabert, site whereon to erect the Temple of God. We have since discovered Gibulum and Stolldn better than we are? ~“C2dBro.—Are we to be degraded, that they should be preferred at the place much valuable treasure, which has been collected and deposited in the Sacred Vault for the use of the Holy Temple. Are before us? you willing to make further searches among these ancient ruins for 3d Bro.—Have we not exhibited as much zeal and proficiency treasure? as they have? M. of C.—We are, Most Potent and Illustrious Kings, willing 1st Bro.—Let us resent this injury; these men have basely to undertake any task, be it ever so hard, difficult and dangerous, worked upon the affection of our Grand Master. if so we can benefit the Craft and enrich the Temple. All-We will. T. P.—Companion Senior Warden, see our Brothers furnished They move forward as if to assault; Master of Ceremonies meets them and with the necessary tools and implements. raises his hand deprecatingly. Captain of the Guard furnishes them with the working tools, pick-axe, spade J M. of C.—Desist, Brothers! You will not commit this wicked and crowbar.

‘I C I. THIRTEENTH DEGREE 96 THIRTEENTEI DEGREE 97 C. of G.—Companion Senior Warden, Brothers from the ancient T. P.—Go, my Brothers, to your labors in the ancient ruins, and ruins. if you make any discovery of importance, hasten to us and report. S. W.—Thrice Potent, Brothers from the ancient ruins. ‘M. of C.—Follow m’e, Brothers. I know the ‘ruins well, having T. P.—Let them enter. before visited them ; - it is a rough road, and attended with some S. W.—Let them enter. danger. C. of G.—Let them enter. [They enter.] They pass over a road in darkness, meet many impediments, and eventually M. of C.—Most Potent and Illustrious Kings, we have obeyed arrive at the ruins. They commonce working in the rubbish, indulging in your orders, and are ready to report our discoveries. such conversation as the peculiar circumstances of the case may suggest, until they discover some portions of a broken column, etc., and a ring in the cubic T. P.—Do so, my Brethren. Relate to us your adventures at stone. the ancient ruins, and what discoveries you have made. 211. of C.—Ha! this is something that I feel satisfied has not M. of C.—We repaired to the place designated, and at the rising Cl I C before been discovered [raises the stone by the ring] ; this appears of the sun commenced our labors at the spot where the workmen to be a vault. I will with your assistance endeavor to explore it. first commenced digging for the foundation of the Temple, and worked some time, not meeting with anything in particular. We They now arrange the ropes for the desceut. at last came to a metal ring, which we fotind attached to a large M. of C.—Brothers, I will indicate my desire in this wise, one stone, the which, with much difficulty, we raised; we found it to blow on the rope to raise me, two to remain steady, and three to be a cubic stone, and on it many ancient characters to us unknown. let me further descend. If any accident befall me, say to our Grand Beneath this stone, a deep and dismal cavern. Upon consultation Master and Companions that I suffered willingly for our good cause; I wilh my Brethren I agreed to descend and explore it. My com- I am ready. panions passed a rope three times around my body and fastened Il C ~vlaster of Ceremouies descends through three arches, and intimates that he it; in this manner I descended through two arches into a third, desires to return, when he will be drawn up. when, finding the cavern offensive from the long confinement of air, M. of C.—I gave the signal to be brought to the surface in con- I gave the signal for my return. On being drawn up, and on con• sequence of the confined air becoming exceedingly offensive. Let sultation, it was agreed that we should bring up these pieces of us return to our Grand Master with this stone and report. In the columns and cubic stone for your inspection, and request to be made meantime we will leave the vault open, in order that the foul air acquainted with the ancient characters on them. may escape. T. P. [and K. of 1?. ezamining it.]—My Brothers, this stone, we CCC They return to the Chapter-room over the same road, aud Master of Cere are of opinion, is the copestone of Enoch~’iemple. We are satis- fled, from the inscription on this perfect stone, that the subter- monies ~ ranean temple, of which this stone is the key, was erected by our I C S. W.—~- ancient Brother Enoch to the true and living God, and not for idolatrous purposes and for heathen worshipers, as we at first sup- 1’. P.—+~+ posed. This valuable relic you have found will be laid up in the C. of 0 —Companion Senior Warden, there is an alarm at the Secret Vault for the use of the Temple. entrance of this C,~hapter. My Brothers: God, in permitting you to make this discovery, S. W.—Thrice Potent, there is an alarm at the entrance of this has bestowed upon you a particular favor. Your request cannot Chapter. now be granted. Areyou willing to continue your labors, to descend T. P.—Companion Senior Warden, see the cause. into this cavern, to resume your researches, and bring forth the S. W —Captain of the Guard, see the cause. treasure we have no doubt lies there concealed? C. of 0.—Who comes here? M. ofC.—We are, Thrice Potent and Illustrious Kings, although M. of C.—Brothers from the ancient ruins. ‘~‘Ii C

THIRTEENTH DEGREE 98 THIRTEENTH DEGREE ‘I 99 the task of examining it may be attended with much difficulty and other arch, I gave the signal to be drawn up, in consequence of ‘I danger; yet we are willing to do so, and descend even at the hazard the offensive atmosphere, and the fatigue I had undergone in Cr of our lives. descending. We agreed to return and report, having left the cavern T. P.—Go, then, my Brothers, your zeal and devotion shall not open in order that the noxious gases might escape and with the go unrewarded. May the God of our fathers bless you, and may hope that we may again be permitted to resume our researches. success attend your efforts! 7. P.—Brothers, you did wrong in returning until you have They proceed over the same road to the vault. The Master of Ceremonies, thoroughly penetrated to the depths of the cavern. Return and using language appropriate to the occasion, will again descend, passing through prosecute your search, and if successful your names will be for- six arches, when he will a second time give the signal to ascend. He is then drawn up. ever great among Masons. ill, of C.—Thanks, Illustrious King, we will not return until the Al. of C —Having passed through six arches, and finding still remotest part of the cavern has heen thoroughly explored. another opening, and being exhausted by fatigue, an oppressive They salute and again depart. Master of Ceremonies again descends and atmosphere, and the gloomy appearance of the cavern, [ gave the passes through nine arches, and discovers the pillar sustaining the luminous signal to be drawn up. Until the foul air escapes it will be im- delta. He gives the signal and is drawn up, when the three descend by the aid possible to descend further. Let us return and report to our Grand of a ladder of ropes. After having secured the treasure they ascend to the Master. surface. They return to Chapter, and make alarm, ~ M. of C.—Eureka! Rejoice, my hrethren; our danger is over; this discovery will gain us much honor; let us at once repair to our J.w.—+++ +++ Grand Master with our treasure. They return to the Chapter, and make alarm ~ +~4 +++ II T.P.—+++ +++ C. of 0.—Companion Senior Warden, there is an alarm at the J.w.—+++ +++ +++ entrance of this Chapter. S.W.—+++ +++ +++ S. W.—Thrice Potent, there is an alarm at the entrance of this ~.p.—+++ ±~ chapter. C. of 0.—Companion Senior Warden, there is an alarm at the T. P—Companion Senior Warden, see the cause. entrance of this Chapter. S. W.—Captain of the Guard, see the cause, S. W.—Thrice Potent, there is an alarm at the entrance of this C. of 0.—Who comes here? Chapter. S. W.—Thrice Potent, Brothers from the ancient ruins. 7. P.—Companion Senior Warden, see the cause. C. of 0~Companion Senior Warden, Brothers from the ancient S. W.—Captain of the Guard, see the cause. rmins. C. of 0.—Who comes here? S. W.—Thrice Potent, Brothers from the ancient ruins. M. of C.—Brothers from the ancient ruins, with treasure for the 1’. P.—Let them enter. Temple. S. W.—Let them enter. C. of 0.—Companion Senior Warden, Brothers from the ancient C. of 0.—Let them enter. ruins, with treasure for the Temple. Ii S. W.—Thrice Potent, Brothers from the ancient ruins, with Master of Ceremonies and Candidates enter, and approach the East. treasure for the Temple. 7. P.—Speak, my Brothers. What further discoveries have you 7. P. —Let them enter. made, and what more to add to our treasury? S. W.—Let them enter. M. of C.—We again repaired to the ruins, and I descended into C. of 0.—Let them enter. I! the cavern, passing through six arches, when, discovering still an- Master of Ceremonies and Candidates enter, and approach the East. 4 THIRTEENTH DEGREE C 100 M. of C.—Thrice Potent and Illustrious Kings, we have obeyed THIRTEENTH DEGREE 101 your commands, and have penetrated through nine arches into the ‘C great name. The inscription on this cubic stone is in the ancient 4 I bowels of the earth, even to the lowest arch. Enochian character, and reads, “Hanock Hawnah lai-ho -yah”; T. P.—We thank you for your zeal and devotion. Relate to us which, translated, means “Dedicated to God by Enoch”; a full ex- your adventures in the arches and your discoveries. planation of which will be given to you in the history of the degree. I M. of C.—We again repaired to the ruins. My Companions As a reward, my Brothers, for the very valuable services you have fastened the rope around my body, and, with a lighted torch in rendered, we will constitute and create you Knights of the Ninth my hand, I descended, and passed with much difficulty the seventh or Royal Arch; and we promise you an explanation of the mysterious characters on this golden plate when it shall have been fixed C I and eighth, and into the ninth and deepest arch of the cavern, when some rubbish falling from above extinguished the light, and in the place long designed for it. You will then receive the sublime left me in total darkness. Soon afterward, the place became illu- and mysterious degree of Perfection. In the meantime travel, my 41 minated, and I discovered on one side of the arch a brilliant light. Brothers, for further instruction, and in search of the true word; 11 On approaching it, I found it proceeded from a triangular plate of the giver of every good and perfect gift may further confirm the gold, incrusted with precious stones, the brilliancy of which struck great favor vouchsafed to you and all of us in this day’s glorious me with admiration and astonishment. I hastily gave the necessary result. signal, and was again drawn up to the surface of the earth to my The Master of Ceremonies and Candidates again travel, but without work- companions. On relating to them what I had discovered and the ing implements, until they approach the Burning Bush in the rear of the East, scene I had witnessed, they immediately descended with me by when the Master of Ceremonies says: the aid of a ladder of ropes to the ninth and deepest arch. The M. of C.—We now approach the place representing the spot beauty and brilliancy of the plate filled us with awe and aston- where Moses kept the flock of Jethro, his Father-in-law, the Priest ishment, and caused us to fall on our knees, and raise our eyes of Midian; as he led the flock to the rear of the dese~t, and came and hands to heaven in admiration. We took the plate from the to the mountain of God, even to Horeb, the angel of the Lord pedestal on which it was fastened, and ascended to the earth, and appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and have brought the same up for your inspection; and, as a reward he looked, and beheld the bush burned with fire, and the bush was for our toil and labor, would solicit to be made acquainted with not consumed; and Moses turned aside to see why the bush was the ancient characters on the cubic stone, and the mysterious char- not burned; and God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, acters on this golden plate, which we now present to you. and said, “Draw not nigh hither, put off thy shoes from off thy They present the plate. On seeing the face o~ the plate of gold, the two feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground; for I am Kings start up in surprise and admiration (giving sign). Hiram of Tyre the God of thy Father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and being about to speak, King Solomon gives him the sign of silence; when he the God of Jacob’~; and Moses hid his face thus: says, “Gibulum Ishtore,” or “Gibulum is a good man.” They then view the plate for some time in silence, and cover it up on the altar. Remove the shoes and make the second sign of Perfection. 7. P.—My Brothers, your request shall in due time be complied For he was afraid to look upon God; and God commanded with. You have had the honor and the exalted privilege of having Moses to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt; and Moses discovered the dearest and most precious jewel of Masonry. The said, “Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, who shall promise which God made to the Ancient Patriarchs, that in the I say sent me unto them?” and God said unto Moses, “I am that fullness of time his true name should be revealed, is now accom- I am; thou shalt say, I am hath sent me unto you; I am the Lord, plished. God Almighty; by my name Jehovah I am not known to them; I By you that great and awful name has ‘been brought to light; am that I am; and was and ever shall be”; and Moses did as the until this time we were igno rant of the true pronunciation of that Lord commanded him. Let us now return unto the King. Master of Ceremonies and Candidates return before the Kings. j

102 THIRTEENTH DEGREE THIRTEENTH DEGREE 103

~ ~— 2’. P.—You will now, my Brothers, retire to the West, and ad- make me steadfast to keep and perform the same. Amen! Amen!! V vance to the East by three times three steps; and, kneeling at the Amen!!! altar, contract your obligation of Knight of the Ninth or Royal You will now salute the Book of the Testimony three times. Arch. 7, P.—Rise, and I will communicate to you the signs, grip and Three swords presented to each Companion’s heart equal nine. words of a Knight of the Ninth Arch~~nd invest you with the symbols of this degree. fe $76 k~r {. /4 OBLIGATION * * *

,of my own free will and accord, do hereby Cand You will now go and srl’ite the Kinh ~f Tyrej—the—Senior--and 1 (//COTh.-’C hereon most solemnly promise and swear, in the presence of Him .LinioriWaxdens,and—the-%reth-renynow Ct~ermed~~(3ompa~nionsrand- i;IC who dwelleth between the Cherubim, and this Chapter of Knights ~ to the East. of the Ninth or Royal Arch, that I will not reveal the secrets of The Master of Ceremonies and Candidates do so and return. this degree to any one of an inferior degree, or to any person or persons in the world, unless justly and lawfully entitled to the I shall now invest you with the apron, collar and jewel of a 1I~ same, or in a regularly convened Chapter of Knights of the Ninth Knight of the Ninth or Royal Arch. or Royal Arch. The color of your apron and collar is purple, and denotes the royal origin of the degree and the dignity of sour station. C I further promise and swear that I will not be concerned or assist in conferring this degree upon any one, unless he shall have The jewel alludes to the delta or golden plate found in the sub- taken the preceding degrees of Ineffable Masonry in a regular and terranean arch, a more full description of which will be obtained by attending to the history and lecture of the degree. constitutional manner, and that to my full and entire satisfaction. The peculiar lesson taught in this degree is that the true and I further promise and swear, that I will not be concerned or assistin conferring this degree upon more or less than three Candi- faithful Brother will not be deterred by difficulties and dangers, IC however great, from pressing onward to Perfection. c7~TrSfCCC’C 2i dajes, nor then unless it be in a regular Chapter of Knights of 7e~~y4.4i I the Ninth Arch, holden under a Lodge of Peffection, or by consti- 7. P.—You may now be seated among your Companions. 14 tutional authority so to do; and that I will never give the word or words of this degree, except in the presence of three Brothers CLOSING of this degree. 7. P.—-]- Captain of the Guard, your last as well as your first IC I further promise and swear, that I will not help, aid or assist duty? in conferring this degree upon any one, unless he shall manifest a C. of G.—To see that the Guards are at their station, and that charitable and humane disposition, zeal and love for the Brothers Ci;I the Chapter is secure. and for the caus6 of Freemasonry, nor unless there be present nine Royal Arch Masons. 7. P.—Attend to that duty, and inform the Guard that I am about to close this Chapter of Knights of the Ninth Arch. I further promise and swear, that [will answer and obey all due signs and summonses, handed, sent or thrown to me from a Chapter Captain of the Guard does so, and reports: Ii of Royal Arch Masons, or from a Companion Royal Arch Mason, 4 C. of G.—It is done, Thrice Potent. if within the length of my cable-tow. Thrice Potent raps ++ and the officers rise, and retuin their jewels to To all of which I promise and swear, binding myself under no the East, salute and retire to their places, and remain standing. less a penalty than of being crushed beneath the ruins of a subter- LI 7. P.—Brother Junior Warden, are you a Knight of the Ninth 4 ranean edifice, if I should be willfully guilty of violating this my obligation of a Knight of the Ninth Arch. So help me God, and Arch? J. W.—I have penetrated into the bowels of the earth through 104 THIRTEENTH DEGREE THIRTEENTH DEGREE 105 nine arches, and have brought thence a treasure to adorn and enrich actions, be admitted into that Sublime and Eternal Lodge where the Temple of our God. happiness reigns without alloy, and w[~ere, around the t[~rone of the T. P—Brother Senior Warden, what is the lesson taught in tIiis Great Jehovah, we shall sing hallelujahs to his name. degree? Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Thvisible, the only Wise S. W.—That difficulties and dangers, however great, should not O’od, be the kingdom, power, and glory, forever and ever. Amen! deter the true and faithful Brother from progressing onward to Ali—God grant it. So mote it be! Perfection. T. P.—+++ [All rise, resume their stations.] Companions T. P.—What is the hour? attend and give the signs. S. W.—The sefling of the sun. T.P.—+++ .~I-++ +++ T. P.—The sun having set, it is time to close our work. Give S.W.—~H~+ +++ +++ notice to the Companions that I am about to close. J.W.—+~ +++ ~H~+ S. W.—+++ Brother Junior Warden and Companions, the Ali—+++ +++ +++ Thrice Potent is about to close this Chapter of Knights of the T. P.—This Chapter of Knights of the Ninth Arch is closed. Ninth Arch. Assemble at the altar, and give your attention and S. W.—This Chapter of Knights of the Ninth Arch is closed. assistance to the work. Captain of the Guard, inform the Guard. + PRAYER 0, Thou great and eternal Lord God, source of light and love— Thou Sovereign Inspector and Mighty Architect of the wonders of Creation—who from thy throne in the highest heaven in mercy looketh down upon all the dwellers of the earth—lend, we beseech Thee, thine ears to the prayers and petitions of thy unworthy se~v- I ants now assembled in thy presence, to teach the mysteries of that Sublime Edifice which is erected and dedicated to thy Most Holy and Glorious Name. Pour upon us, and all the members of the Mystic Cra~ throughout the two hemispheres, the rich blessing of thy Providence. Give us strength to overcome temptations, to subdue our passions, and to practice virtue. Fill our hearts with fear F,— without desolation; with confidence without presumption; with piety without allusion; and with joy without licentiousness. Fill our hearts with tender affections for thy divine goodness, and love for our neighbors; make us faithful to our friends and charitable to our enemies. Dispose our hearts, 0! Thou God Eternal, to receive the splendid impressions of Re[igion and Humanity; our minds, the great lights of Science; and direct our footsteps in the brig[~t paths of virtue. Let all our actions prove to an admiring world that our lives are sincerely dedicated to Thee, our God, and to the relief of our I fellow-creatures. And finally, when we yield up our breath to Thee, the Source of Life, may we, bearing the rich harvest of good •1 I FOURTEENTH DEGREE 107 The Secret, afterwards Sacred Vault, is approached by a long narrow passage of nine arches, between which and the Sacred Vault shoQld be a small ante-room, arches dimly lit by one lamp only, hung from the ceiling. Hangings :—Crimson, with pillars at stated intervals. FOURTEENTH DEGREE—GRAND ELECT, PERFECT AND 4 Burning Bush in the East behind the Thrice Potent; in its center the SUBLIME MASON Ineffable Triangle. OFFICERS AND JEWELS The Lodge represents the Secret Vault under the Sanctum Sanc- Thrice Potent Master, Crowned Compasses, with blazing sun in the ~4~3o/ torum, in which is the Pillar of Beauty, and on this is placed the cen ~er. Deputy Master, iliram of Tyre, Crowned Compasses with full moon holy four-letter name. This degree reveals and explains the tetra- in center. grammaton, completes the construction of the Holy Temple, and Venerable Senior Warden, Gold Trowel. narrates the destruction of both it and the cjty of Jerusalem, to- Venerable Junior Warden, Sword of Justice. gether with the death~ of Solomon. ~J~-c j//~%~’ ,f / ~ Treasurer, Gold Key. Secretary, Gold Pen. Orator, Gold Scroll. THE LODGE Master of Ceremonies, Staff. The Lodge should be cubical in form; the Brethren (if convenient) Captain of the Guard, Spear. sitting about the Lodge so as to form a triangle. Hospitaler Brother, Winged Staff. Light :—3, 5, 7, and 9; 3 lights North, in form of a Triangle; 5 lights Senior Expert. South, in form of a Pentagon; 7 lights West, in form of a ileptagon; Junior Expert. 9 lights East, forming three Equilateral Triangles, in a line. Tyler, Flaming Sword. The Lodge shoQid contain a Pillar of Beauty; the Ark of the Organist, Gold Lyre. Covenant; the Seven Branch Golden Candlestick; a representation of The jewels of all the officers are set in gold triangles, and are sus- ~he Burning Bush; the Table of Shewbread; the Altar of Incense; the pended from collars of white watered silk, having a rosette of white and Altar of Sacrifices; the Brazen Layer; the Enochian Pillar; the Golden red at the bottom. Urns and Vases; the Golden Delta of Enoch; the Book of the Testimony; COSTUMES ~he Square and Compasses; the Cubic Stone; the Tables of the Law; the Bread and Wine; the Silver Hod and Golden Trowel; the Silver The two Kings in royal robes, with crowns, sceptres, etc. Plate and Cup. King Solomon :—Yellow robe or mantle, with a blue vestment and an Pillar of Bea~uty: Twisted column, pure white marble, about three and Eastern crown and sceptre. a half feet high, on which should be the cube of agate, measuring about King of Tyre :—Purple robe, with yellow vestment, richly trimmed sI~ inches on each face, on the upper side of which is the triangular with fur and gold; Mural crown and sceptre. Enochian plate of gold, set in with precious stones, and having on it the Apron :—White watered silk, lined with white and bordered with [neffable name. gold, triangular in form, and the Ineffable Delta in the center. Pillar of Enoch:—Marble pieces put together, found in ancient ruins, Collar :—White watered silk, bordered with gold, from which is sus- with Enochian characters upon it. pended the jewel. Brazen Layer:—Large brazen basin, containing water, on a pedestal Jewel :—Crowned Quadrant, having a golden sun with nine points in 31/2 feet high, with ten layers at its base. the center; on the reverse is a blazing star; in the center of the star, the Altar of Sacrifices :—Length and breadth equal to one-half the height, Enochian or Solomonian characters; upon the segment of the circle are with gilded horn on each corner, and covered with gold. engraved 3, 5, 7, 9. Table of Shewbread :—On it twelve loaves of Shewbread, in two piles Ring :—Flat band of gold; on the inside the following inscription: of six loaves each, and cup with wine. “Virtus gunx~t Mors non separabit,” (“Whom virtue unites death cannot Altar of Incense :—On i1 an urn, with incense burning, size and shape 3 separate.”) Also the name of the owner, and date of receiving this of Altar of Sacrifices. degree. All the altars should be covered with white cloths. Girdle:—Nine colors: blue, red and yellow, 3; green and purple, 5; [106] FE

FOURTEENTH DEGREE 109 FOURTEENTH DEGREE 108 satisfied that all present are Grand Elect, Perfect, and Sablime white and black, 7; stone and flame color, 9; all interwoven with olive Masons? green. S. W.—Thrice Potent Master, I am satisfied that all present are Gloves :—White. Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons. Robes :—Black, with caps and swords. ft. P.—lt is we[l. 11 Battery :—+++ •H-+++ +++++++ +++ +++ +++ TSP /4 OPEN[NG Captain of the Guard rises, draws his sword, salutes, and comes to a carry. 7’. P.—4~ Officers and Brethren, be pleased to assist me in 7’. P.—+++++ [Alt officers rise except the Wardens and opening this Lodge. Kings.] Hospitab[e Brother, your station? I The illuminated Burning Bush is the only light. The Wardens and two H. B.—In the North, between the Treasurer and Master of Cere- Kings take their stations, and all are clothed and seated. monies. I ft. P.—[Tyter standing.] Brother Tyler, your station in a Lodge ft. P.—Your duty ffiere? of Perfection? H. B.—To visit poor Brethren, and see that they receive due at- IL—At the inner door of the Sacred Vault. tention; take charge of the voluntary contributions of the Brethren, 7’. P.—Your duty there? and expend them under the direction of the Thrice Potent Master. fit—To guard the Sacred Vau[t with care, and allow no im- ft. P.—Receive the implement of your office, and be swift to fly proper ingress or egress. to the relief of those who may need your services. 7’. P.—I present you with this flaming sword, the implement of The Hospitable Brother receives the jewel and winged rod; salutes and your office; use it discreetly and faithfully. retires to his station. I The Tiler approaches the East, receives the sword; salutes and retires to 7’. P.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, your station? Ms station. M. of 0.—In the North, Thrice Potent Master. 7’. P.—i{W~ [CapLain of the Guard standing.] Brother Captain T.P.—Your duty there? of the Guard, yoar station? Al. of 0.—To prepare all Candidates, and conduct them as a 0. of G.—In the North, at the head of the Guard. faithful leader, in their mystic travels on the road to perfection. t ft. P.—Your duty there? 7’. P.—Take the implement of your office, and be ready to exe- 0. of Gk—To see that the Guards are duly posted, and to provide cute all your duties; and may you never be without a faithful for the accommodation of visiting Brethren and members, and to leader during your earthly pilgrimage. aid the Officers in the discharge of their duties. The Master of Ceremonies receives his jewel and staff; salutes and retires 7’. P.—Take the symbol your office and attend to yoar duty. to his station. The Captain of the Guard receives the jewel and spear; salutes and goes out, stations the Guards and gives them their orders. He then returns, doses ft. P.—Brother Orator, your ~place in the Lodge? the door, retires to Ms station, and salutes the Thrice Potent with his svvord, 0.—In the South, near the Altar of Incense., saying: 7’. P.—Your duty as Orator? C. of G.—Thrice Potent Master, the Guards are duly posted and 0.—To make discourses in illustration of the Order; to instruct the Lodge is well tiled. new Brethren, and explain to them the mysteries of Ineffable 7’. P.—How are we tiled, Brother Captain of the Guard? Masonry. 0. of G.—By tVee Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons at ft. P.—Receive the badge of your office, and may you worthily their posts as Sentinels, duly instructed and vigilant. represent the learned Brother Abda, of ancient times, who was I 7’. A—It is well. Venerable Brother Senior Warden are you I 110 FOURTEENTH DEGREE FOURTEENTH DEGREE 111

deeply versed in hieroglyphic lore, and skillful to solve enigmas. punishes the traitorous and guilty, it rewards the faithful and The Orator receives his jewel and scroll; salutes arid retires to his station. meritorious Brother. T. P.—Venerable Senior Warden, your station? T. P.—Brother Secretary, your station. S. W.—In the West, Thrice Potent Master. S.—In the South, before the Altar of Incense. T. P.—Your duty? T. P.—Your duty. A & W.—To assist the Thrice Potent at a]1 times in the discharge S~—Under th.e direction of the Thrice Potent Master, to perform of his duties; and in his absence and that of his Deputy, to pre- the correspondence of the Lodge, to give notice to the Brethren of side in the Lodge. Also to act as the representative of our ancient its meetings, to register all its transactions, receive all moneys and Brother Adoniram, who had the inspection of all the workmen of pay them over to the Treasurer, and especially to be a faithful wit- God’s Holy Temple. In token of which I hold this Trowel, the ness to all alliances made with virtue and the virtuous. ‘4 symbol of my office. T. P —With the zeal and discretion of our ancient Brother T. P —My venerable Brother, what brings you here? Joabert, whom you represent, fulfill the duties of your station. Re- S. W.—My love of Masonry, my obligations, and a desire for ceive the jewel of your office. perfection. The Secretary receives his jewel; salutes and retires to his station. T. P—What are the proper qualities for acquiring these? T. P—Brother Treasurer, your station? S. W.—A forgiving spirit, innocence, and benevolence. T.—In the North, before the Altar of Shewbread. T. P.—In what manner ought ‘we to conduct ourselves in this T. P.—Your duty? p1ace~ T.—To act as the representative of our ancient Brother, who S. W .—With the most profound respect. was intrusted with the keys of King Solomon’s Tem~p1e; to securely T. P.—Why do men of all conditions of life assemble here on keep all the funds of the Lodge, pay hem oat as required, and the level of equality, as Brethren? render a just account of all receipts and disbursements. S. W.—Because the Triangle reminds us that there is one Being T. P.—Receive this gold key, the badge of your office. saperior to all—the Grand Architect of the Universe. T. P.—Why is respect paid to the Triangle? The Treasurer receives the jewel; salutes and retires to his station. S. W.—Because it contains the name of the great “I AM”; who T. P. —+++++++ [Wardens rise.] Venerable Brother was, and is, and is to be; and represents the Wisdom, Strength. Junior Warden, where is your station? and Beauty of the Universe. J. W~—In the South, on the right of the Senior Warden. ~ +++ [All rise.] Venerable Senior T. P.—Your duty there, my Venerable Brother? Warden, where is the seat of the King of Tyre? j. W.—To preside in the absence of my three superior officers, S. W.—At your right hand, Thrice Potent Master. and to act as the rep resenta~ive of our ancient Brother Joabert, T. P.—His duty’? who was engaged i a a difficult and dangerous undertaking for the S. W~—To act as your confederate, companion and depuly; to honor and glory of the Craft. exhibit the fellowship of our Royal Arch, and the happy effects of T. P.—My Venerable Brother, what is the hour? oar alliance with virtue and the virtuous. J. W.—High Twelve, Thrice Potent Master. T. P.—Venerab]e Brother of Tyre, your station and duty~ T. P—What do you understand by high twelve? K. of T.—In the East, Thrice Potent Brother; to superintend

J. W.—That the sun has gained its meridian height, and darts L. and govern this Lodge; to support and maintain its constitutions its rays with greatest force upon this Lodge. and laws, and the statates and regulations, constitutions and laws T P—It is time then to profit by its light. [iet your badge, the of Ineffable Masonry. sword, remind you, my Brothe~ that while Justice overtakes and T. P.—Venerable Brother Senior Warden, give notice that I am

I 112 FOURTEENTH DEGREE FOURTEENTH DECREE 113 about to open a Lodge of Grand. Elect, Perfect and Sublime Ma. As N T. ~ ~ +{f~ sign of Secrecy. The Senior and Junior sons, by the perfect numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9. Na. Experts light up the 9 lights in the East. S. W.—Venerable Brother Junior Warden and Brethren, the T..P.—+++ +++++ +++++++ +++ +++ +++ Thrice Potent Master is about to open a Lodge of Grand Elect, Master of Ceremony lights the Sun. Perfect and Sublime Masons, by the perfect numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9. The Thrice Potent with gavel; the Senior Warden with the trowel; the a-, Junior Warden with sword; and the Brethren with hands, give the Battery. Assemble at tlie altar. N

7’. P.—Gather together unto Him those that have made a coven- -r ft. P.—Official Declaration. ant with Him by sacrifice, and offer up to Him a holy libation with S. W.—Venerable Brother Junior Warden, and Brothers Grand a perfect heart. [The 7’. P. K. of ft. S. W., and J. W. here ap- K- Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons, thfs Lodge of Perfection is proach the alUar. Libation by the King of Tyre.] How excellent is now open for the dispatch of such business as may legally and con- Thy loving-kindness and Thy righteousness to the upright of heart; stitutionally come before it. Brother Captain of the Guard, inform for with Thee is the fountain of life, and in Thy light shall we the Guards. + see the light which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. All take their seats and cover. All kneel on left knee at second sign for prayer. RECEPTION PRAYER ‘4 The Candidate, in white, clothed as a Knight of the Ninth, or Royal Arch, is in the ante chamber, which represents the private apartments of King Almighty and Sovereign Grand Architect of the Universe; who, Solomon, near the entrance of the Sacred Vault. by thy divine power, doth continually search and penetrate the “I The Master of Ceremonies and Candidate approach the entrance of the most secret recesses of our hearts, draw near us, we beseech thee, a~. Sacred Vault. ~ ~+++ +++ +++ +++ by the sacred lire of thy love. Guide us by thy unerring hand in C. of-C—Brother Senior Warden, there is an alarm of 3, 5, 7, the path of virtue; and out of thine adorable presence aid us to and 9, at the entrance of this Sacred Vault. keep out all impiety and perverseness. S. W.—Thrice Potent Master, there is an alarm of 3, 5, 7 and 9, [iet peace and charity link us together in a pleasing union, and at the entrance of this Sacred Vault. may this Lodge of Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons ex- 7’. P.—Brother Junior Warden, you will see who knocks as a hibit a faint resemblance of that happiness the elect will enjoy in iT Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime IVlason, at the entrance of this thy Kingdom forever. Sacred Vault. Give us a spirit to refuse the evil and choose the good, that we may not be led astray by those who unworthily assume the title of The Junior Warden approaches, and opens the door. Grand Elect; may our doings tend to thy glory, and our advance- J. W.—What is the cause of this alarm at the entrance of this nfent towards Perfection. Sacred Vault? Who knocks as a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime May a sweet perfume ascend from the altar of our hearts, and Mason? Who comes liere? be acceptable to thee, 0 God! our Adonai: Bles~ us, 0 God, and 4 M. of 0.—A Knight of the Ninth Arch, who, having passed the prosper the work of our hands. Keep us through life, and accept Guards of the Nine Arches by the passwords of a Knight of the us in death. Amen. So mote it be. Ninth Arch, (and the outer and middle doors of the ante-chamber, ‘I T. P.—+++ All give first sign of Perfection, and 3 lights in th~ North by the passwords of a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason), are lighted by the Captain of the Guard. Is now wishes to be admitted to the Sacred Vault under the Sanctum T. ~.—+++++ second 5 lights in the South are lighted by the Junior Sanctorum, and arrive at perfection. Warden. J. W.—Has he taken the Symbolic and all the preceding In- T. P.—+++++++ third sign 7 lights in the West are lighted by the effable degrees in this Lodge of Perfection? Senior Warden. Ti M. of C. Answer. A 4~ ~--

/ N 1: 114 FOURTEENTH DEGREE POUR~PEENTfl tiE~REE 115 J. W.—Is he truly worthy and wea qualified? C. of G.—[O pens the door.] Let him enter, and be placed in the M. of C. Answer. West. J. W.—Do you vouch for all this as a Grand Elect, Perfect and The Master of Ceremonies and Candidate enter, and stand in the West. The I: Sublime Mason? a’a- luminous pillar is covered. M. of C. Answer. J. W.—I must examine him as to his qualifications and pro. TEE LESSON ficiency. 7’. P.—The Lord is in his holy Temple; his eyes behold and his Junior Warden goes out and examines the Candidate, and says: eyelids try the children of men. Si J. W.—It is well. Give me the third word of a Grand Elect, S. W.—Lord, who shall stand in thy presence, and who shall Perfect and Sublime Mason. abide in thy tabernacle? i M. of C.—jjfthird passwordj J. W—He that walketh uprightly and worketh righteousness, J. W.—You ‘will await until the Thrice Potent Master has been and speaketh truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his informed of your request. tongue, nor doeth evil with his neighbor; but honoreth them that The Junior Warden re-enters the Sacred Vault, and returns to his station. fear the Lord. ft. k—Venerable Brother Junior Warden, what is the cause of 7’. P.—Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, or who shall this alarm? Who knocks as a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime stand in his holy place? Mason? S. W.—He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not J. W.—A Companion Knight of the Ninth Arch,, who, having lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall As passed the Guards of the Nine Arches by the password of a Knight receive blessings from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of the Ninth Arch, and the outer and middle doors of the ante- of his salvation.

chamber by the passwords of a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime 5<,’ J. W —Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye Mason, now wishes to be admitted to the Sacred Vault under the a- everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. Sanctum Sanctorum, and arrive at perfection. ft. P.—For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that my 7’. P.—lIas he taken the Symbolic and all the preceding degrees name might be there forever; and mine eyes and my heart shall in this Lodge of Perfection? be therein perpetually. J. W. Answer. S. W.—Who is this King of Glory? I- 7’. Th—Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding degrees J. W.—The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord of hosts; our to enable him to arrive at perfection? Adonai: He is the King of Glory. 5. W. Answer. ft. P.—I will wash my hands in innocency, and so will I encom- 7’. P.—Is he worthy and well qualified? a-a- pass thine altar, 0 Jehovah. S. W.—As for me, I will walk in my integrity; my foot standeth J. W. Answer. a--a in an even place, and here will I bless the Lord forever. ft. P.—Do you vouch for this as a Grand Elect, Perfect and -5—-— J. W.—Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking Sublime Mason? guile; depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it; thus J. W.—I do vouch for him as such, and for the word given as saith the Lord of hosts, mend your ways and your doings, and I being correct. will cause you to dwell in this place forever. ft. P—Let him enter, and be placed in the West. ft. P.—But whoso confesseth his sins, and forsaketh them, shall J. W.—Let him enter, and be placed in the West. have mercy.

4 a 11~ ~OUI~EENTR D~GkE~ FOURTEENTH DEGREE S. W.—Who can say I have made my heart clean; I am pure 117 from sin, for there is not a just man on earth that doeth good and Arch, as to his Masonic -acquirements. Arc you fully satisfied, and sinneth not, no not one. wilhng that he be exalted to our highest mysteries, and receive the a J. W.—They shall fear the name of the Lord from the West, and Sublime and Mysterious degree of Perfection? If so, give the mgn his glory from the rising of the sun. of assent. This part of the ceremony should be very solemn and impressive. It should a- 7’. P.—From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of not be considered a mere ceremony, but a matter of serious fact. Objections the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every to the Candidate should be made by a member openly, or by the sign of dissent. place incense shall be offered, and a pure offering; for my name -5 shall be great among the Natious, sait the Lord of hosts. TEE INQUIRY Gather together unto Him those tha have made a convenant ft. P.—M~ Brother, a further test of your worthiness is required. with Him by -sacrifice, and offer up to Hi holy libation with a Before you can proceed, it will be necessary for you to answer a perfect heart. [The Master of Ceremonies now orders the Candi- few questions. I pray you to give each of thcm your candid con- date to make the sign of adoration.] How excellent is thy loving- sideration, and answer, as in the presence of God. If these ques- kindness and th3> righteousness to the upright of heart; for with tions are favorably answered, the Brother may be induced to with- thee is the fountain of life, and in thy light shall we see the light draw his objections. I’ which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. These objections may be read from a paper, that the Candidate may deem ft. P.—My Brother Knight of the Ninth Arch, what is your de- they are written for him in particular. sire? Have you ever willfully revealed any of the secrets of Free- The ~a4aster of Ceremonies prompts the Candidate. masonry? Cand —To be made a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason. Candidate answers. ft. P.—Before your request can be granted, and you be initiated Have you always, as far as lay in your power, been charitable to in this sublime and mysterious degree of Perfection, you must sat~ your Brethren? isfy us that you are well versed in Ancient Craft Masonry; other- Candidate answers. wise you will have to continue your probation, and better fit your- Have you ever defrauded a Brother Mason? seli for Perfection. Are you a Mason? Candidate answers. Cand.—I am. Are you in the habit of using the name of God profanely, and ft. P.—Are you an Entered Apprentice Mason? of willfully violating any of his commandments? C>and.—My Brethren all know me as such. Candidate answers. ft. P.—Give me the sign and word. [Given.] Are you a Fellow Does your conscience accuse you of any offence against your Craft Mason? Brethren which ought to debar you from receiving this degree? —F Cand.—I have seen the letter G, and know the pass. Candidate answers. I ‘4 ft. P.—Give me the sign and word. [Given.] Are you a Master ) Mason? Have you always been mindful of the obligations you have con- Cand.—I have seen the sprig of acacia, and know what it means. tracted in the presence of the Grand Architect of the Universe? ft. P.—Give me the sign and word. [Given.] Candidate answers. F ft P.—My Brethren, Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons: Have you answered these questions in sincerity of heart, and -l- you have heard the answers of our Brother Knight of the Ninth witliout any reservation or evasion of mind? -a Candidate answers. -I- I 118 FOURTEENTH DEGREE FOURTEENTH DEGREE 119

‘V ABLUTION AND cOMMANDMEBTs Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. i ~ 6 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet ft. P.—Brother Senior Warden, you will have the Brother con- N thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man servant, nor his maid servant, nor ducted to the brazen layer in the South, that, as a token of his his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s. t purity and innocence, he may wash and be clean; so that, pure and unspotted, he may be fitted to appear in the presence of the My Brethren, Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons, do you Lord, and also as a token of the purity of his intentions. Our now consent that this, our Brother, be admitted among us, and re- fathers used this same ceremony of ablution when they were ac- ceive our highest mysteries? If so, give the sign of assent. [Given.] a] cused of crime, in order to prove their innocence. My Brother, remember that if you now approach our most sacred S. W.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, conduct the Candidate to and solemn mysteries with coldness and indifference, not mindful ‘-I- the brazen layer in the South, that he may wash and be clean. of your obligation, you will have more to answer for in the great The Master of Ceremonies conducts the Candidate aro d the Lodge room and awful day, when the se.rets of all hearts are made known. to the brazen layer and directs him to wash and wipe his h ds. At the con- Approach, my Brother, by nine steps, and kneel at this altar, Fl elusion the Commandments are read. and contract your obligation of a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord t y Go&, Mason. which have brought thee out~f the land of Egypt, out of the house The kiaster of Ceremonies instructs the Candidate to approach the altar of bondage. by eight and one steps, and directs him to kneel. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any like- ft. P.—+++ Assemble, my Brothers. ness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth All assemble around the altar, forming a delta. beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not OBLIGATION bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the chil- I, , of my own free will and accord, most solemnly promise dren, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and swear, by the holy four-letter name, in the presence of Him and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep who dwelleth between the Cherubim and this Lodge of Grand my commandments. Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons about me assembled, that I will 1~ Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for never reveal the secrets or mysteries of this Sublime degree to any the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. person or persons, except those lawfully qualified to receive the Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou same, or in a body of a just, perfect and regular Lodge of Per- labor,~and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of fection; the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy That I will not aid, or assist in conferring this degree of Per- son, nor thy daughter, thy man servant, nor thy maid servant nor fection upon any one, unless he has taken the three symbolic de- thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six grees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow C raft and Master Mason, and days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them Ihe Ineffable degrees of Secret Master, Perfect Master, Intimate is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sab- Secretary, Provost and Judge, Intendant of the Building, Elect of bath day, and hallowed it. Nine, Elect of Fifteen, Sublime Knight Elect, Grand Master Archi- I, Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long tect, and Royal Arch, in a regular and constitutional manner, and upon the land which the Lord thy God hath given thee. that to my full and entire satisfaction; Thou shalt not kill. That I will not aid, or assist in conferring this degree of Per- Thou shalt not commit adultery. fection on any one, unless it shallbe in a regular Lodge of Per- Thou shalt not steal. fection, or by constitutional power or authority to do so;

-a ‘4 a

S. -‘a

120 FOURTEENTH DEGREE s~. FOURTEENTH DEGREE 121

1That I will not be present, aid, or assist in conferring this degree those altars of incense, may the perfume of our prayers arise for upon any one whose life and character I doubt or disapprove; the bestowment of heavenly b]essings. (~ ~> That I will, if possible, meet my Lodge at least twice a year, Let us pray. on the twenty-seventh day of December and the twenty-fourth day All kneel, at second sign of Perfection. of June, and as much oftener as my affairs will permit me to do withThatconvenience;I will never take up arms against my country, nor directly PRAYER

F or indirectly enter into any cabal or conspiracy against ~t; and if Almighty and Sovereign Grand Architect of the Universe, Thou it comes to my knowledge that any intention of taking up arms or a who ridest in the heavens by thy name Jah, let all the earth keep conspiracy against my country is entertained by others, that I ‘will silence before Tb ee. There is no God like unto Thee in the heavens give notice of, and communicate the same to the proper authorities; above or in the earth beneath, who keepeth coyenant and showeth That I will aid with my counsel and my purse all worthy Grand mercy unto thy servants that walk before Thee with all their hearts. Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons in sickness or distress, upon May all Elect Masons, like the Elect of God, put on charity, (. which is the bond of perfection. May our loins be girt about with their making application to me as such, as far as lies jn my po-wer £~‘ I the girdle of truth, and finally, having been faithful in all our so to do; course, may we be brought to behold the light ineffable, and ad- That I will not debauch or dishonor any female re ted to a mitted into that sacred place where the sun shall no more give Brother of this degree, either by blood or marriage, knowing r to C light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light, but be such; the Lord, our Adonai, shallbe with us an everlasting light, and our That I will maintain and support the by-laws, rules and regula- God our glory. F - tions of this or any other Lodge of Perfection of which I may be- Bless us, and bless the work in which we are engaged; and may come a member, and also acknowledge and support the authority the alliance we are about to perfect, be eternal. Amen! So mote of the United Supreme Council of the Sovereign Grand Inspectors ‘a, it be! General to which I owe allegiance and its constitutions, statutes and general regulations for the government of Lodges of Perfec- THE ANOINTING tion, so far as the same may come to my knowledge; 1’. P.—I will now, my Brother, proceed to anoint you with the -1 ,a To all of which I promise and swear, binding myself under no holy oil wherewith the pious Aaron, the penitent David, and the less a penalty than having my body severed in twain, if I willfully a,— a wise Solomon were anointed; and impress you with an ardent zeal violate this my solemn obligation. So help me God. Amen! Amen! for the honor and glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe, Amen! to the end that you may always live in his adorable presence, with My Brother, you will now thrice salute the volume of the sacred a head disposed to contrive, a heart to feel, and a hand to execute law. al] those things toward him and your fellow creatures, which are so The Candidate still kneeling, the altar of incense is lighted; the cloth cover- well pleasing in his sight. - ing the luminous pedestal and cube of agate is removed; the Brethren make three signs; t~jv!~~~rofCerem&aies brings the oil and trowel; the Junior Anointing eyes, lips and heart with oil. Warden uncovers the heart of the Candidate. “Behold hon good and pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell to- 7’. P.—Before the altar of a broken and contrite heart, with the gether in unity. It is like the precious ointment on the head, that fire of holy zeal, mortify your sins by the hatred thereof. May we ran down on the beard, even Aaron’s beard, that went down to all offer up to Him on the altar of our hearts a sacrifice of humility the skirts of his garments.” and praise, with the fire of fervent charity. From our hearts, too, Ointment and perfume rejoiceth the heart; so doth the sweet- ---SF’— — F 45 ‘a — 122 FOURTEENTH DEGREE FOURTEENTH DEGREE 123 -j ness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. “Let him reprove me, ‘a 7 - nscription, symboliz~ the etei~nal nature of virtue, with which you F — / it shall be an excellent oil which shall not break my head.” / 1 a are now irrevocably alhed”and in covenant. I — K “If thy Brother be waaen poor and old, and fallen to decay, ‘a 4’- - You are never to par~\vith it, my Brother, while you have life, -l - thou shalt relieve him.” Give of thy bread to the hungry and of - nor at your death, ex=eptt’b leave it to your eldest son, your wife, thy wine to cheer the heart of the sorrowful, and forget not to pour ‘a - or your dearest friei

—a — “a ceived different pronunciations, and varied with the country and T. P.—My dear Brother, receive this pure gold ring, and let it language of the speaker. be worn by you as a symbol of the alliance you have contracted a’ Its pronunciation underwent many changes, which are called with virtue and the virtuous; the inscription on the ring is, Vi’rtus C Ages of Masonry. They are 3, 5, 7, and 9—the mysterious numbers junxit Mo’rs non separ=Thit—(”Whom virtue unites death cannot a - hf this degree. separate”) ; th&ring itsel> is an emblem of eternity, and, with the I’ You will now, niy brother, be permitted to pronounce that great ~aa-.

FOURTEENTH DEGREE 125 124 FOURTEENTH DEGREE The colors are arranged according to the mystic numbers of this and solemn name—the grand, mysterio-us word of a Grand Elect, degree—3, 5, 7 and 9, and are thus explained: Perfect and Sublime Mason—which, from the day~ of Enoch to the The three are blue, red, and yellow, by the due mixture of which present time, has ever been deemed unlawful for man to speak. the primitive colors are all formed. [The word is communicated by the Senior and Junior Wardens.] The five consist of the first three, and green and purple. You will now, my Brother, speak the word: this word defines the The seven consist of thp first five, and of white and black. essence of God: his existence, his unity, his goodness, his pro-vi- The nine consist of th~1flrst seven, and of stone and flame color. They are thus explained: dence, and his eternity. _ The blue is an emblem of friendship; the red of zeal; the yellow The lights, prior to this, having been gradually dimmed, as the C. pronounces the word, lightning and thunder burst forth; the organ and tr~mpets are also of wisdom, on account of its resemblance to gold. Wisdom, saith heard; the cloth covering the luminous pedestal and cube of agate is removed; the wisest of kings, is far better than fine gold. The green is a beau- the Brethren make the second sign, and chant ‘‘Praise the Lord for he is good; F — tiful emblem of hope, and of that immortal part of man which for his mercy endureth forever.” The Master of Ceremonies conducts the Candidate around the room to the never, never dies; the purple being a royal color, of dignity and ~YoA~t. 77=~7~~- g a-a majesty; the white of purity and innocence; the black of serious- z’-~- / ‘~a ,-a~/a /‘7a4’a-’j”’ ness and modestness of demeanor. The next color is that of stone, F — INVESTITURE which denotes firmness and durability, and is an emblem of con- T. P.—I shall now, my Brother, invest you with the apron, girdle, stancy, fidelity and decision of character—qualities which should be possessed by those who take the degree of Grand Master Archi- collar and jewel of a Grand Elect, IPerfect and Sublime Mason; 5 and with the greatest pleasure salute you with the title, and grace tect, and attempt to walk in the footsteps of our Grand Master you with the symbols thereof. Hiram Abiff, and the flame color of ardent affection and charity, The collar is emblematical of ardent zeal, affection and charity. the peculiar traits of a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason. The crown upon jewel is a symbol of the Royal origin of the degree. The various colors united in this one girdle are expressive of The compass, extended to ninety degrees, denotes the extensive that unity, and the olive interwoven of that peace, which should ‘-‘a link us together as Brethren. As these various colors shine in knowledge of the Grand Elect. The sun, in the center, that our -i actions should be as open as the full blaze of the noon-day sun, your girdle, so let the vario,us and our charity as diffusive as its beams. This jewel, suspended 1virtues they represent shine in your heart and life. upon your breast, should make you attentive to your duties, and Thus, my Brother, by your meritorious and unblamable conduct, cause you to walk so as to adorn your station. -5-- The apron, my Brother, which you wear, is white, lined with assiduity, constancy and integrity, you have at last attained the I w1~ite, and bordered with gold. The white is to remind us of inno- title of Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason, which is the cence, and of that purity which was required for an entrance to summit of Ancient Craft Masonry, and upon your arrival to which this place; the gold, of wisdom, which should characterize all Grand a’ I most sincerely congratulate you. Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons. Its form is supposed to be the I most earnestly recommend to you the strictest care and circum- 5-a. spection in all your conduct, that the sublime mysteries of this true form used by the Perfect Master Mason at the building of the 41 degree be not profaned or disgraced. Temple, and alludes to the golden triangle or delta of Enoch, which ~ ( j-a,5-~ i adorns the center. I The girdle with which I also invest you, is the ancient girdle of CLOSING I a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason. It was used of old T. P .—[ Wardens rise.] Venerable Brother Junior Warden, what .4 to bind up and strengthen the body, and enable man to persist in his labors: it is, therefore, an emblem of activity, promptness and are you? I J. W.—I am a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason. My perseverance. I I 126 FOU1~TEENTH DE~4RE~I FOURTEENTH DEGREE 127 T. P.—4~4.~f. All give the llrst sign of Perfection, and 3 lights in the North trials are finished, and it is now time that I should reap the fruits are put out by the Captain of the Cuard. of my labor. T. P.—+++++ second sign live lights in the South are put out by the T. P.—Show me a mark, to assure me that you have arrived at Junior Warden. T. P.—+++++++ third sign seven lights in the West are put out by Perfection. the Senior Warden. J. W.—This ring, a symbol of the alliance I have contracted with T. P.—14+ ~j44 ~H4 sign of Secrecy. The Senior and Junior virtue and the virtuous. Experts put out the nine lights in the East. T.P.—+++ +++++ +++++++ +++ +++ +++ T. P.—What offering do you bring? Ceremony puts out the sun. a— a Master of J. W.—A heart divested of revenge and iniquity, and zealous ‘F’a, ~ ~++++++ +++ ~++ ~ with hi virtue and friendship. their hands, and stand at salu~e. T. P.—My Brother, what is the hour? T. P—Venerable Brother Senior Warden, how should Grand J. W.—Low twelve, Thrice Potent. Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons part? T. P.—It is then time to close oui~ works. Venerable Senior S. W.—Ever as they should meet—in peace, love and unity. t Warden, give notice to the Brethren that I am about to ~1osethis a — T. P.—May a heart divested of revenge and iniquity be our offer- F’ a.a.I-— Lodge of Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons by the perfect ‘4 ing! Thus may we ever meet and part! Let us keep in recollection numbers 3, 5, 7 and 9. the sign of a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason, which in- -i S. W.—Brother Junior Warden and Brothers, the Thrice Potent culcates silence and secrecy. 1 Master is about to close this Lodge of Grand Elect, Perfect and The Thrice Potent extends his right hand forward, palm downward. The I Sublime Masons by the perfect numbers 3, 5, 7 and 9. Assemble -r Brothers acknowledge it by the sign of silence, meaning that the secrets of at the altar, and give him your assistance and attention. the Lord are sacrul from the world. The Brethren assemble around the altar where they kneel, as at openng, T. P.—Brother Captain of the Guard, your last duty? for the C. of G.—To dismiss the Guard and close the Vault. PRAYER a — T. P.—Your work being completed, you will perform your duty. 0, Most Holy and Glorious God, Thou who dwcllest between the The Thrice Potent then makes the official declaration. ‘a Cherubim, and art known in heaven and on earth by thy name S. W.—Venerable Brother Junior Warden, and Brothers Grand Jah: we approach Thee with awe and reverence, and implore thy Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons, this Lodge of Perfection is blessing upon us, who know thy great and ineffable name, ere we closed. Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the Guards. ~ depart from this sacred place to our several places of abode, and mingle again in the busy scenes and strifes of life. Oh, fill our INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICERS OF THE LODGE hearts, we beseech Thee, with thy love and fear, that our tongues OF PERFECTION may speak of thy goodness, and our actions correspond with the lessons taught in this holy place. The Installation is con,ducted by the Deputy of the Valley or, in his absence, by the ranlanny Inspector General present, and, if there be none present, by the Make us steadfast in our obligations to our Brethren and in our retiring Thrice Potent. duty to our fellow man. - Bless us and prosper us in life, and in death receive us, 0 Lord! Deputy—Brother Master of Ceremonies, present the officers elect our Adonai. Amen. before the altar. [it is done.] -F’ 2 ATh—So mote it be! I CHARGE TO ALL All rise, and give signs up to Perfection; then unite in the feast of Friend- ship, singing the Ode of Perfection, accompanied with the Holy Libation, as Deputy—Officers Elect and Brethren. It is said by the Romans in the reception. “Nobilitas at ohm ad officio,” (nobility, as of olden time, from I T. ~.—+ All retire to their stations, and stand at salute.

‘a 128 FOURTEENTH DE~1REE FOURTEENTH DEGREE 129 office.) OfYlce ennobles, when it is deserved, and is honorably filled, pose. After their labors, the Brethren gathered round the social with honest performance of duty. and festive board, and there, under the genial influence of the Man has no other right than that of doing his duty. His duty golden hour, all the distrust, jealousies and slight animosities is to sacrifice himself for others. To suffer, thereby to become melted away as thin clouds melt out the sky in summer. strong; to die, to be born again immortal. The spirit of intellect is Adhere, my Brethren, to the old custom of refreshment, remem- sacrificed by faith; the will by obedience; and life itself by martyr- bering the charge that you are not to turn it into intemperance dom. and excess. You are to be the chiefs, each inhis station, of this body of Grand, After your meetings, gather around the table together, let heart Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons. It is self-denial, self-sacrifice open to heart, and kindly glances and pleasant words be inter- that are Grand and Sublime. It is those who are capable of these, changed. The weariness of the evening ‘s work disappears, the little that are Elect Masons. petty irritations pass away. The abs t are remembered, old asso- It is for you to teach the Brethren this self-sacrifice, by examples; ciations are renewed, and the meinoi’ies of the dead, who used to be by the sacrifice of your own interests and pleasures to duty. If you with us in such scenes, and whose places still lovingly recall do that, office will ennoble you. Then you will indeed be, what them, soften our feelings towards the living. Then heart draws otherwise you cannot become, perfect Masons. - I — closer to heart, by the magnetic attraction of sympathy. The spirit In a commonwealth, to respect and obey those who hold their of charity reigns, and when at last we are dismissed by command power by the free choice of the people, is the highest duty which of the Grand Architect of the UnLverse, we depart at peace with -that people owes itself. Towards them it should feel neither sus- ourselves and all the Brethren. picion nor distrust; and all should have one paramount object, to Brother Master of Ceremonies, you will now place the officers live together in harmony and union, and endeavor to aid and of the Lodge of Perfection at the altar in due form to take the benefit each other. “Peace and harmony,” you very early heard oath of office. it said in Masonry, “are the strength and support of all well- The Master of Ceremonies arranges them ~n a semicircle, the Thrice Potent regulated institutions, and more especially this of ours.” Perfect Master elect in the center, on the west side of the altar, all facing the altar, harmony, we do not need to be told, is not attainable here below. causes each to kneel on the right knee, and to lay the right hand on the heart The independence of our nature, our passions, our peculiarities, all and hold up the left hand. forbid that. There will always be in our Lodge differences of M. of C—Illustrious Deputy, the officers elect kneel at the altar opinion, and, in consequence, hasty words, slighting expressions in due form. and resentments. The decisions of the Master will often be thought The Deputy raps ~H-”~-and says: wrong, and sometimes prejudicial or partial. It is better so; for if Deputy—Attention, Illustrious Brethren, and Brethren of the it were not, and everything went on with unvarying smoothness, Lodge, and witness the oath of office; and do you, officers elect, there would be no occasion for the exercise of generosity, forbear- hear and respond. ance and magnanimity. To err is human and common. To repent, to acknowledge the error, and to forgive and forget it, are equally OATH OF OFFICE noble; each requiring a lofty, generous and manly spirit, without You and each of you, in the presence of the Great Architect of which the nature of man would be farther from perfection than the Universe, and with these Brethren as witnesses, do solemnly and it is. sincerely swear that you will support the Constitutions, Regula- 1- Increase and strengthen these attractions which draw men to- • tions, Statutes and Institutes of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish gether and unite them. Masonry was intended to be joyous and Rite, and the Regulations and Constitution of the Supreme Council, convivial, and not sour, ascetic and formal. Calling from labor as the fundamental law of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. to refreshment originally had a real meaning and a worthy pur- That you will faithfully and impartially perform, each to the best ‘F ii’ aa

130 FOURTEENTH DEGREE and utmost of his skill and ability, the duties of the office to which he has been elected in this Lodge of Perfection. Each—So help me God! Deputy—Rise, my Brethren. Brother Master of Ceremonies, you will now invest the officers of the Lodge with their appropriate regalia and insignia of office, beginning with the Tyler. - BOOK OF THE This heing done, the Deputy returns to the East, and says: Deputy—Brother Master of Ceremonies, conduct the Thrice Potent Master to my left, after which you will conduct the other officers elect of the Lodge to their respective stations, (beginning SCOTTISH RITE with the Tyler,) and let the officers occupying the stations yield them up. The Master of Ceremonies goes to the Thrice Potent, salutes, recovers, and TRIRD SERIES conducts him to the left of the Deputy; salutes again, recovers, and then conducts the officers to their places and stations, heginning with the Tiler. The occupant rises as the o~cer approaches, hows, retires hy the left and returns to his original seat in front of the East. When all are thus placed and stationed, the Deputy says: HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL DEGREES Deputy—Thrice Potent, your officers are at their respective stations, and nothing remains but for you to assume yours; be pleased to do so. The Thrice Potent assumes big station. Deputy—Receive, my Brother, the letters-patent of Constitution of your Lodge [presents it] ; may it continue to prosper, and may its name be ever honored among men. 15 0 Receive now this mallet, symbol of authority; assume the government of your Lodge, and rule it with urbanity, impartiality and firmness. Deputy—~+~ [ALLrise.] (Official Declaration.) ~eputy—Brethren, unite with me in congratulating the Thrice Potent Master of this Lodge. All give the whole hattery, by all the numhers, and then the plaudit and sign. The Thrice Potent Master responds to the remarks of the Deputy, and concludes hy saying: T. P.—Officers and members of the Lodge, unite with me in ~1 doing honor to the Illustrious Deputy, etc. The same hattery, acclamation and signs are given. T. P.—Be seated, my Brethren. Then the Box of Fraternal Assistance is passed around. Nothing remains but to close the Lodge.

I i~’ I I FIFTEENTH DEGREE—KNIGHT OF THE EAST OR F SWORD

I~a

DIAGRAM OF COUNCIL OF KNIGHTS OF TIlE EAST OR SWORD

T~~r ~ary

ii m rn I%~I j0j till I~-I IOU L~J Li

Eli

MEANING OF Tins DEGREE This degree, which is intimately connected withthe one that succeeds it, relates to the Babylonian Captivity, which lasted seventy

133] 134 FIFTEENTH DEGREE FIFTEENTH DEGREE 135 years, the release and return of the 42,360 captives to ~Jerusalem, OPENING AND RECEPTION and the attempt to build the second Temple under the direction of Previous to admitting the candidate into the Lodge, a copy of the following Zerubbabel or Sheshbazzar. King Cyrus also permitted the return will be placed in his hands by the Tyler: of the Holy Vessels and Ornaments which had been removed by BROTHER: You are summoned to appear this day at a convoca- Nebuzaradan at the time of the destruction of the first Temple. tion of Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons, at our usual The return of the captives was contested at the bridge over the rendezvous. The seventy years of captivity have nearly expired. river Euphrates, but unsuccessfully; and, finally, when laboring to Cyrus has ascended the throne. We may now be restored to liberty. lay the foundation of the Temple, beset on every side by enemies, Come to us. Obey the sign, and destroy this. Zerubbabel ordered that the Masons should work with the sword in one hand and a trowel in the other, that they might be able at any By ORDER OF THE COUNCIL. ii, moment to defend themselves from attack. Soon after~the candidate enters the room, a brother approaches, and says: The Second Temple was forty-six years in construction. Bro.—My Brother, the hour is fast approaching that decides our fate: You are aware that all Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons that could be found have been summoned to meet to-day, to take into consideration and to devise means in regard to the OFFICERS, CLOTHING, ETC. course ~obe pursued to ameliorate our condition. Since the death 1. Thrice Potent Grand Master. of the Great Solomon, the destruction of the Temple and the cap- 2. Senior Grand Warden. tivity, our beloved Fraternity has become more and more degraded. 3. Junior Grand Warden. Grant that the labor of to-day may be the means of restoring us 4. Grand Orator. to liberty. 5. Grand Master of Ceremonies. 6. Grand Captain of the Guard. He leaves the candidate, when he is accosted by another brother. All in black robes with their appropriate jewels. Bro —My Brother, may this be a day of rejoicing for us. The tyrant kings are dead. Cyrus has ascended the throne of Persia. CHARACTERS IN THE SECOND APARTMENT The seventy years of captivity are wel]-nigh completed. 1. Cyrus, King of Persia, in royal robes. T. P.—~ The officers will take their stations, and the brethren 2. Grand Master of Cavalry. be seated. Brother Captain of the Guard, are all present Grand 3. Grand Master of Infantry. Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons? 4. Grand Master of the -Palace. 5. Grand Captain of the Guards. The Captain of tbe Guard makes the necessary observation, and reports 6. Counsellors. C. of G.—Thrice Potent Grand Master, all present are Grand All in appropriate costumes. Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons. Apron :—Is of crimson velvet edged with green; on the flap are em- T. P.—+~ Brother Senior Grand Warden, you will announce broidered in gold a bleeding head and two swords crossed. In the center of the apron, three triangles forming a chain with triangnlar links. to the Junior 0-rand Warden, and he to the Craft and Captain of Jewel:—Of gold is three triangles, one within the other, diminish- the Guard, that I am about to open a Lodge of Grand Elect, Perfect ing in size, and enclosing two naked swords crossed, hilts downward, - —- and Sublime Masons, without form. resting on the base of the inner triangle. S. W.—Brother Junior 0-rand Warden, you will announce to I Battery :—+++++ ++ the Craft and Captain of the Guard, that the Thrice Potent Grand Banner of the Order :—Green silk bordered with red; on it are repre- Master is about to open a Lodge of Grand Elect, Perfect and Sub- sented a lion and a wolf. j The term Knight will be added to all titles except the Master’s. lime Masons, without form. I I:

136 FIFTEENTH DEGREE FIFTEENTH DEGREE 137 J. W.—+4~+ Brethren, the Thrice Potent Grand Master is brethren to assist in the work on which we this day solicit Thy about to open a Lodge of Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons, blessing. Amen. So mote it be. without form. Brother Captain of the Guard, inform the Guard. The Altar of Sacrifices will here emiI~ a blaze. Captain of the Guard informs the Guard, and salutes the Thrice Potent Grand Master. T. P.—Rise, my brethren! The God of Battles is with us. Our petition has been heard. Let our deliberations to.day be guided by I T. P.—To order, my brethren. Brother Senior Grand Warden, sound discretion. Have faith, my brethren, and success will attend you will announce to the Junior GrandWarden, and he to the Craft, us. ~ [AU arc seated.] that a Lodge of Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons is now S. W~—Thrice Potent Grand Master, since the death of Solo- open. mon, King of Israel, the destruction of the Holy City and the Tem- S. W.—-Brother Junior Grand Warden, this Lodge of Grand ple of the Most High God by the warlike hordes of Nebuchadnez- Elect, Pei~fect and Sublime Masons is now open. zar, the sacred vessels removed, and the chosen people led away J. W.—Brethren, this Lodge of Grand Elect, Perfect and Sub- captives, our lot has been most degrading. Under the dread power lime Masons is now open. Brother Captain of the Guard, inform of Nebuchadnezzar and Balthasar we have been forced to labor as the Guard. .1 slaves to our captors. And although repeated efforts have been made Captain of the Guard informs the Guard, and salutes. by petition to our masters to relieve us from the galling chains T. P.—My brethren, we have met as usual, secretly and without that bind us, instead of producing the desired effect, they have sub. the knowledge of our masters. A great change has taken place since jected us to renewed persecutions and a more rigorous discipline. our last convocation. Conflicting emotions of hope and fear ani- This is our condition at the present time. Our sufferings, priva- mate us all. Hope that the prophecy may be fulfilled and our liberty tions and repeated failures have produced a disastrous reaction, restored; fear that our taskmasters~ hearts may be hardened against and a settled despair has manifested itself among us. Let us banish us. But before we enter on the all-important business before us, these sentiments and resolve to succeed. let us offer up our supplications to Him who rules us all, and ask J. W.—Thrice Potent Grand Master, the time, the place, and His blessing on our deliberations. the occasion are fruitful events. Let us this day select from among 4 our number a delegation to approach the throne of Cyrus; and All kneel before the Altar of Sacrifices. lay before him the history of our privations and sufferings. And PRAYER who, of all among us, is better qualified to lead such an embassy, i,I~ than the Prince of the House of Judah, the noble Zerubbabel? G. 0.—O Lord, our 0-od! and the God of our fathers. Thou G. 0.—Thrice Potent Grand Master, I rise to second the appeal didst appoint a stated period for the captivity of Thy people in 4 of our Brother, the Junior Grand Warden, in favor of Zerubbabel. Egypt and Babylon, and Thou hast taught us the signs whereby Well do I know the heartfelt anguish he has experienced on wit- we may learn the approach of our redemption from the long cap- nessing the wrongs done to his brethren. His talents, eloquence and tivity which Thy just judgment inflicted upon us. Arise, 0 Lord! truthfulness will prevail. We shall be free, and obtain permission and have mercy upon Thy Zion, for the time to favor her, yea, the to build the Temple. set time is come. Stir up the heart of Cyrus, Thy servant; for it is T. P.—Most wise has been the suggestion offered. Zerubbabel, written “The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the Prince of the House of Judah, [Zerubbabcl ri-scsi to you has been kings of the earth Thy glory.” Into Thy hands we commit our intrusted the negotiation of the liberty of a great people. The undertaking. From Thee alone do we expect success in our en- great and lasting confidence reposed in you by your Masonic breth. deavors; for vain is the help of man without Thee. ren renders your success almost certain. Your honor and probity Finally, 0 Lord, we pray Thee to incline the hearts of all our are so well established among us, that we rely wholly on your truth 138 FIFTEENTH DEGREE FIFTEENTH DEGREE 139 and discretion. We have hoped against hope, for years, that our Guard—What is your desire? liberty would be restored, and we now feel that its consummation A!. of C.—To see your sovereign, if possibLe., is at hand. The tyrants Nebuchadnezzar and Balthasar are dead. Guard—Who are you? The Great Cyrus has ascended the throne of Persia. To him you V A!. of 0.—The first among my equals, a Freemason by profession, are to make your suit. We rely upon your accepting the trust. a captive by disgrace. M. of C.—Thrice Potent Grand Master, it is with great dif- Guard—What is your name? fidence I rise at your call for my services, but I am pleased to be A!. of C.—Zerubbabel. selected as the humble instrument to carry into effect your noble Guard~—What brings you here? designs. I feel confident of success, and will accept the trust. A!. of C.—The tears and misery of my brethren. T. P.—++~ [All rise.] We shall be free, my brethren. Most p Gi~ard-What do you intend to do? noble Zerubbabel, may the deeds you are now about to perform A!. of 0.—En the name of the Lord God of Israel, to implore the become ever memorable in the annals of Maspnry. Select from justice and goodness of your sovereign, and demand his grace for among our number those you wish to accompany you on your my brethren, who have been in captivity ten weeks of years. journey. Guard-What grace do you ask? The Grand Master of Ceremonies selects the candidate or candidates for A!. of 0.—That, under the influence of Heaven, your sovereign his companions. will grant us our liberty, and permit us to rebuild the Temple of H the Grand Architect of the Universe. T. P—Approach, my brethren, and kneel. Guard-All the King’s servants, and the people of the King’s They approach in front of the Altar of Obligation. provinces, do know that whosoever—whether man or woman—shall T. P.—May the God of our fathers watch over and protect you. come uncalled unto the King, into the inner court, there is a law Bless you! and may your efforts be brought to a happy conclu- to put to death, except such as to whom the King shall hold out the sion. Amen. golden sceptre, that he may live. The wrath of a King is a mes- All—So mote it be. senger of death. T. P.—Arise, my brethren, and depart. ii’ A!. of 0.—Still, the heart of the King is in the hands of the The delegation salute and retire, and enter upon their journey, passing Lord, and, as the rivers of water, ~heturneth it whithersoever he will. over the bridge. On approaching the Palace of Cyrus, their way is obstructed Guard enters, and reports to the Grand Master of Infantry as foflows: by a sentinel. Sentinel—Who comes here? Guard—Zei~bbabel and his companions, captives, the first I among their equals, request to appear at the foot of the throne. A!. of C.—We are an embassy to the Great Cyrus of the East. They come to solicit his Majesty’s clemency, the liberation of their Sentinel knocks. Guard opens the door, and is informed as to the embassy. compatriots, and that they may have permission to go and rebuild Guard—Grand Master of Infantry, an embassy from the West the Temp[e of the Grand Architect of the Universe. desires to enter the court of Cyrus. A!. of I.—[To King.] Zerubbabel and his companions, captives, the first among their equals, request to appear at the foot of the Grand Master of Infantry repeats to Cyrus. throne. They come to solicit your Majesty’s clemency, the libera- Cyrus—Grand Master of ‘Infantry, inform yourself who they tion of their compatriots, and that they may have permission to are, take the greatest precautions, and render me an exact accounL go and rebuild the Temple of the Grand Architect of the Universe. A!. of I.—[To Guard.] Inform yourself who they are, take the Cyrus—If Zerubbabel is animated by such just motives, liberty I greatest precautions and render me an exact account. to appear before us is granted. Guard opens the door slightly and says: Grand Master of Infantry repeats to Guard. —i F FIFTEENTH DEGREE 140 FIFTEENTH DEGREE 141 Guard—[O pens the door wide.] Enter Zerubbabel; he that Cyrus—Such strength of mind surprises me. My esteem for the loveth pureness of heart for the grace of his lips, the King shall Order is greatly increased. It is far from my thoughts to put into be his friend. effect menaces which were intended only as trials. Noble members Embassy enter and prostrate themselves before the King. of my Court! my object in summoning you this day was for the Cyrus—fExtending his sceptre.1 Rise, Zerubbabel, and your purpose of obtaining your advice relative to a singular dream I companions. I have been made acquainted with your petition and had during the last night. The visit of Zerubbabel at this time, know your request. I am willing to accede to it on one condition. I believe, has some connection with it. I will relate it, and will be I have always felt the greatest veneration for the Masonic myster- guided by your advice. And you, Grand Master of my Palace, who ies. If you will communicate them to me, I promise on the instant are endowed ‘with the sublime gift of explaining dreams, I request to grant your petition. of you an interpretation thereof. A!. of C.—One of the principles of our Order, 0 King! is A!. of P.—This gift, 0 King, is not the result of natural wisdom, equality. How can it reign here? Your rank, your grandeur, are and if I am favored with it, it is because it has pleased the Grand Master of the Universe to bestow upon weak humanity the skill incompatible with our Fraternity. Besides, the engagements we have entered into, and which we cannot violate, prevent me from to interpret visions, through which He deigns to manifest his de- ~II unveiling to you our secrets and mysteries. When Solomon taught crees. 0 King, live forever! Tell thy servant the dream, and he us the words of the wise, and made known to the builders of the will endeavor to show the interpretation. God speaketh once,—yea, twice—but man perceiveth it not. In a dream—in a vision of the Temple the treasures and hidden riches of secret places, he said a talebearer revealeth secrets, but he that is of faithful spirit con- night, when sleep falleth upon men, then he openeth the ears of cealeth the matter. If our liberty is to be obtained only at such a men,/ and sealeth their instructions. price, or on the condition you offer, we prefer to remain in cap- cyrus—Grand Master of the Palace, I appreciate the spirit with tivity. ‘~vh=chyou are filled. Lo! this is what I saw in my dream: “An angry lion was about to throw himself upon me and devour Cyrus—Reflect well on your refusal. Remember, on yourselves me, and, while quaking with fear, I looked for some place of alone depend the liberation of your brethren, and permission to shelter. A splendid light, proceeding from a ‘glory,’ suddenly rebuild the walls of the Temple. It is my intention to decorate you dazzled my sight, and I perceived two of my predecessors, Nebuch- in like manner as the grandees of my Court, and to deliver to you adnezzar and Balthasar, in the garb of slaves, and loaded with all the riches which were taken and carried away by my predeces- chains. I heard a voice saying to me: ‘Loose the bonds of wicked- sors. Can you hear such things without being moved? Do you ness.’ ‘Undo the heavy burdens.’ ‘Let the oppressed go free.’ persist in refusing your former riches and liberty? ii ‘Break every yoke.’ A!. 67 0.—We cannot, 0 King, accept them on the conditions My spirit was troubled, and my sleep fled from me. Art thou you propose. able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and the Cyrus—I will then see whether your bodies will prove as in- interpretation thereof? vincible as your souls. Guards! make them pass through the ~fire. M. of P.—O King! He thaCrevealeth secrets hath made known Guard causes the embassy to pass through the ordeal by fire. unto thee while slumbering what shall come to pass. The voice you heard was that of the Grand Architect of the Unive rse, who has Cyrus—You have a foretaste of the sufferings you will endure permitted you to conquer and have dominion over the House of if you persist any longer in refusal. I allow you but one moment Israel. The captives he commanded you to reslore to freedom are to make your final decision. On the instant answer me. those who for ten weeks of years have groaned in bondage. The A!. of 0.—We cannot betray our obligations as Freemasons, Grand Architect wills that you render back to them the same liberty though it should gain all you promise for myself and brethren. which they formerly possessed, that their property be restored to 4 142 FIFTEENTH DEGREE FIFTEENTH DEGREE 143 them, and their city and Temple be rebuilt in all its former splendor. me. May the God of our fathers protect your majesty and your By the chains with which your predecessors were loaded is indi- people. cated that they were, in the hands of the Grand Architect, the The embassy make salutation to the King, and retire, carrying with them instruments of the punishment he wished to inflict on his people, some of the sacred vessels. In the meantime, the embassy approach the bridge who have suffered for the excesses to which they had abandoned on their return. When on the bridge, they are challenged. themselves. The lion ready to devour you presages the end you Enemy—Who goes there? may expect if you remain deaf to the voice of God. The God of A!. of C.—We are in peace. Israel will come up against you like a lion from the swellings of Enemy—What is your desire? Jordan, except you let his oppressed people go free. A!. of C.—To cross the River Euphrates. Cyrus—These are the words of truth. The God of Israel hath Enemy—Whence do you come? spoken. He must be obeyed. I will build the Holy City again, on A!. of C.—From the p~ovince of Babylon, by a decree of Cyrus its own heap, and let the captives go. Not for price nor for re- of the East, to return to the land of Judah and rebuild the House ward. Let the captivity be finished. [AU rise.] Let Zerubbabel of the Lord God of Israel. go free, and with him all his people. Go back to your country. I Enemy—We care not for the king’s decree, but if you will de- permit you to rebuild the Temple destroyed by my predecessors. The I, liver into our hands those treasures you have, you shall have liberty treasures of that Temple shall be sent you before the setting of the to pass. Otherwise, you shall be smitten with the edge of the sword. sun. As an earnest I present you these few costly vessels. You A!. of C.—We cannot profane the vessels of the House of the Lord shall be acknowledged as a chief over your equals. I will that every by delivering them to the Gentiles. The God of Sabaoth will be our 4 aid and succor be furnished to you, even as to myself, in every shield and buckler. In Him we trust. Forward! place through which you will have to pass, and that from my treasures there be delivered to you that which will suffice for the offer- A violent conflict ensues. The enemy is repnised, and driven off the bridge. The candidate loses the sash presented by King Cyrus. All cross the bridge. ing of sacrifices on your altars, and whatever else shall be needed As soon as they arriv on the opposite side, they all kneel. to render homage to the Grand Architect of the Universe and implore his protection for me and m-y people. Approach, and receive 4 A!. of C.—Le us, my brethren, offer a sacrifice to the God of the particular proofs of the friendship and esteem which you so Sabaoth, who as delivered us out of the hands of our enemies. justly merit from me. PRAYER The embassy kneel at the foot of the throne. ~OLord God of Sabaoth! who hath delivered us from our strong I arm you with these swords as a mark of distinction among enemy, and from them that hated us, we bow the knee to thank Thee. As for God, His way is perfect. The word of the Lord is your equals, and I create you “Knights of the East.” Cyrus then gives the accolade to each member of the embassy, and places a tried. He is a buckler to them that trust in Him. God is our green sash on the right shoulder, saying: strength and power, and maketh our way perfect. He teacheth our I have adopted these decorations in imitation of those conferred hands to war so that a bow of steel is broken by our arms. God has also given us the shield of our salvation, and His gentleness has on the workmen of your Temple; but these marks are unaccom- made us great. He enlarged our steps underEus, so that our feet panied by any mysteries; yet I grant them only to the princes of my house. From this day you are entitled to enjoy the same did not stip. We have pursued our enemies and have destroyed privileges. I consign you to my generals, who will attend to your them, and turned not again until they were consumed. Amen. departure and that of your people. So I order. Go in peace. They now proceed on their journey and arrive at the Hall of the West. A!. of C.—Most noble and generous sovereign! accept from my- The Grand Master of Ceremonies knocks 3, 5, 7, 9, which is responded to. Junior Grand Warden ~ Senior Grand Warden +++++, Thrice Potent self and my brethren our heartfelt thanks. My feelings overpower +++++++ +++++++++ F p V

144 FIFTEENTH DEGREE FIFTEENTH DEGREE 145 T. P.—Excellent Senior Grand Warden, see who it is that knocks The embassy enter between the Wardens. as a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason. S. W.—Thricc Potent Grand Master, I present to you Zerub- S. W.—Excellent Junior Grand Warden, see who it is that babel and his companions, who desire to be re-admitted to the bosom knocks as a Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason. of the Fraternity. J. W.—Captain of the Guard, see who it is that knocks as a T. P.—V~enerable brother, relate to us an account of your mis- Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason. sion. C. of G.—[O pens the door.] Who comes here? A!. of C.—Thrice Potent Grand Master, King Cyrus having permitted us to appear at the foot of the throne, manifested grcat A!. of C—We demand to see again our brethren—the unfor- interest in the narration I gave him of our mysteries. He promised tunate remnant of those who escaped captivity, that we may tell to restore myself and my fellow-captives to freedom, and grant them of th& news of the deliverance of ourselves and our compan- them permission to return and rebuild the Ten~ple of our God, ions. on condition that we would reveal to him our sacred mysteries. We C. of G.—[C~oses the, door.1 Those who demand to see again refused the boon he offered at such a price. He then tempted us their brethren, the unfortunate remnant of those who escaped with riches and honors, but in vain. Finding our souls unassail- captivity, that they may tell them the news of the deliverance of able, he menaced our bodies with the most severe sufferings. We themselves and companions. remained true and faithful to our obligations as Masons. He ex- T. P.—My brethren, the news just received is doubtless well pressed surprise at our firmness, and an increase of esteem for our founded. The day of rebuilding the Temple is at hand. Let us not mystic Order, and said that it was farthest from his thoughts to disregard so precious an augury. Captain of the Guard, ask him push to extremity menaces which were intended merely as trials. his name, what country he is from, his age, and what news he brings. The council of the King had been assembled on that day for the C. of G.—[Opens the door.] What is your name? purpose of giving their advice in regard to a singular vision had A!. of C.—Zerubbabel. by his Majesty, and twic& repeated the night previous, which he C. of G.—What country are you from? imagined was intimately connected with my visit and our petition. A!. of C.—From that beyond the river west of Assyria. He then related his dream, which was interpreted by the Grand C. of G.—What is your age? Master of the Palace—a wis and good man. He statcd that the A!. of C.—Ten weeks of years. vision of the King was a v~ itation of the Grand Architect of the C. of G.—What news do you bring? Universe, who was angered at the inhuman treatment of his chosen A!. of C.—Liberty to the captives, and permission to rebuild the people, and that the Kin and his subjects would be visited by Temple. divine vengeance unless th~ captives were allowed to go free. The C. of G.—[C~oses the door.] Thrice Potent Grand Master, King, believing these to be l~he words of truth, proclaimed our free- Zerubbabel, from the country beyond the river west of Assyria, dom, and granted us permission to build our Temple. He ordered aged ten weeks of years, brings the news of liberty to the captives, all the former riches of the Temple to be restored, and armed me and permission to rebuild the Temple of our God. with his sword, for the defense and succor of my brethren, honor- ing us with knighthood. I departed with an escort, according to T. P.—It is indeed true, my brethren, the captivity is ended— our sleep is over. The captive is the chief of the tribe, who is to the order he had given. Notwithstanding all this, I was attacked by rebuild our Temple. Let him be admitted among us, and acknowl- enemies, at the passage of the river. Thcy regarded not thc decrec edged as the guide and sustainer of our works. of the King, of which I informed them, but said they would give us liberty to pass if we would deliver up the treasures we had with The doors are thrown open. us. This we refused, and they attacked us. We triumphed. I sus- C. of G.—You have permission to enter. tained no loss, except the decoration of a prince 1 had received 146 FIFTEENTH DEGREE FIFTEENTH DEGREE 147 from our liberator. We then offered up a sacrifice to Him who OBLIGATION shielded us from our enemies. What is promised by man, gifted with five senses, uninfluenced The remaining portion of the journey was performed in safety. by force, power, fear, or human violence, I believe to be an ever- T. P.—The loss you have met with, my brother, is but a depriva- tion of the symbol of worldly care and pomp. Our principles lasting obligation which none but men void of honor and honesty will violate. So believing, I obligate myself never to reveal the founded on equality cannot be known to, or appreciated by, the prince, our liberator. The loss you have sustained, is of profound secrets of this degree to any one. marks of distinction only. It suffices if you have preserved those I further promise to adore the God of Sabaoth, to assist the dis- of Freemasonry. Before we can receive your companions as tressed, to be kind to worthy strangers, to shun the vicious, to ob- brethren, we wish to ascertain whether they have preserved the serve the laws of my country, to aid in burying the dead, and to virtues and knowledge of Masonry while in servitude. protect the innocent. A!. of C.—Interrogate me, Thrice Potent Grand Master, and I If I ever violate willfully this my obligation of a Knight of the will answer. East or Sword, may I be regarded as a false knight, and be de- T. P.—To what degree have you advanced in Masonry? graded and dishonored, and may the God of Sabaoth be my aid to A!. of C.—To that of Perfection. keep the same. Amen. T. P.—Give me the three signs of a Grand Elect, Perfect and T. P.—In token of your sincerity, you will salute the holy vol. Sublime Mason. ume. The candidate kisses the Holy Bible. Candidate does so. T. P.—Give me the three tokens. T. P.—My brothers, the destruction of the Temple had exposed the Freemasons to such severe disgrace, that we were afraid their Candidate does so. captivity and misfortune would have contributed to corrupt them T. P.—Give me the Passwords and Covered words. and render them la~ in their duties. This is the reason why, in waiting for the promised moment of re-edification, we retired to Candidate does so. secret abodes, where we faithfully preserved some remnants of the T. P.—We further require of you, and of all of those who are ancient Temple. We admit none save those whom we try and prove to be admitted to rebuild the Temple, some remains of the ancient by their signs and words, as well as by their conduct, to be true works, or ornaments, or vessels of Solomon’s Temple. Have you and legitimate brothers of the Craft. We then communicate to any such? them the mysteries of our re-union, but we expect of them in re- A!. of C.—We have vessels presented us by Cyrus. turn some scattered pieces of the ancien emple. The liberty you 1Z~-P.—Deliver them to the Treasurer. Zerubbabel and compan- have obtained for us, and the efforts you have made to join us, ions, as a reward for your faithfulness, zeal, and valor, receive from testify too much. in your favor for us o conceal anything from you. us the mysteries of our re-union, and a Masonic acknowledgment Behold the state to which we are reduced, and the works we have of your rank as a Knight of the East. Excellent Senior Grand undertaken to regain our lost glory. \ Warden, cause the embassy to advance to the altar in due form, that Excellent Senior Grand Warden, let the ambassadors take three they may take upon themselves the obligation which is to be ad- steps backward, in order to explain to them the overthrow of our ministered to all who are allowed to enter the court of the Temple. works. The Senior Grand Warden will cause the candidates to advance by 5 and The Senior Grand Warden causes the ambassadors to take three steps 2 sLeps. Kneel. Left hand on the heart; right hand on the Bible and two backward. cross swords. T. P.—You see here represented, my brethren, the desolation T. P.—~ You will now repeat after me your into which has fallen the work of the greatest of Masons; the walls 148 FIFTEENTH DEGREE FIFTEENTH DEGREE 149 of the Temple demolished, the altars overthrown, the ornaments de- hearts, and protecting the workmen from their enemies, give the vastated, and fear and suspicion among the workmen. But at length sign of assent. a change is taking place; our hopes are revived, our chains are All give the sign b~ raising the sword, point up. broken, our losses are about to be repaired, and our works recoin- menced. The stones for rebuilding will b& taken from the quar- Approach and receive the attributes of your new state, and a ries of Tyre, and the wood from the forests of Lebanon, because knowledge of the mysteries of our re-union. the second Temple should in all parts be like unto the first, to Zerubbabel and his companions are direcLed to kneel at the altar. Thrice signify that Masonry is a unity and cannot suffer any material Potent Grand Master approaches, and presents them each with a Lrowel. change. You will now visit the outer works and reflect; for of the T. P.—You have been decorated by King Cyrus with the title principal architects of the first Temple, God was the first, Solomon of “Knight of the East,” and I now decorate you with that of was the second, and Hiram was the third. “Knight Mason.” This trowel is its symbol. You will work hence- The ambassadors will now retire. While they are absent the Lodge is forth, Sir Knights, with the trowel in one hand and the sword in placed in order. Behind the East is a glory. The Thrice Potent Grand Master the other. behind the altar, which is in the East. The Knights in parallel lines. The Presents the apron and sash. Grand Master of Ceremonies, from without, now knocks S and 2. T. P.—This sash of watered-green color must accompany you in C. of G.—Thrice Potent Grand Master, there is an alarm at the all Lodges. It is the mark of knighthood, to which you were ad- entrance as a Knight of the East. mitted by the King, and signifies our hope of being re-established. T. P.—See the cause of the alarm. We have added, in order to preserve the memory of our liberator, Captain of the Guard raps S and 2, opens the door, and says: this rosette, which. is placed at the bottom of the sash. I will now invest you with the sign, grip and word of this degree. C. of G.—Who knocks as a Knight of the East? A!. of 0.—The late ambassadors desire to re-enter. * . . Captain of the Guard, withouL closing the door, says: Go, Sir Knights, and be recognized by the Wardens. C. of G.—Thrice Potent Grand Master, the [ate ambassadors Zerubbabel and companions go to the Wardens for examination, after which desire to re-enter. they return in front of the altar. T. P.—They have permission to re-enter. T. P.—+++ We are now about to proclaim Zerubbabel and C. of G.—They have permission to enter. his companions, and place them in the rank they are to hold among their equals. The embassy enter, and stand in front of the altar. Sir Knights Wardens, announce that the Knights are henceforth T. P—Knights, the glorious work of rebuilding the Temple is to recognize Brothers as member(’of the Council of now our object. For you, Zerubbabel and your companions, has Knights of the East or Sword. been reserved so great a work. The obligation which you have just Wardens—Knights, you are henceforth ~o recognize Brothers taken secures its execution. We stand in need of chiefs to guide ______as members of the Council of I~nights of the East or us, and who, at the same time, will be our defenders. Sword. In the swords with which you are armed, and which you knew Wardens make proclamations three times. so well how to preserve, we have the warrant of a successful pro- T. P—Sir Knights Wardens, conduct the worthy knights to their tection. seats, as masters of our works. Knights, if you consent that Zerubbabel and his associates shall Wardens conduct Zerubbabel and companions to the throne in the East. rule the labors of Masonry, building temples and tabernacles in our The Thrice Potent Grand Master descends. V 150 FIFTEEN~TH DEGREE FIFTEENTH DEGREE 151 T. P.—Brother Knights, here are your masters, who are hence- T. P.—This council is closed. forth to preside overyour works, and defend you from your enemies. S. W.—This council is closed. J. W.—This council is closed. Captain of the Guard, inform the Thrice Potent Grand Master and Knights clap five and two with hands, Guard. and say: The Thrice Potent, Senior Warden and Junior Warden rap ~, and the Honor and health to Zerubbabel! Knights retire in silence. The Grand Master of Ceremonies and his companions salute and say: 9 Honor to all Knight Masons! Thrice Potent Grand Master raps + and all are seated.

CLOSING T. P.—[+ with pommel of sword, and rises.] Wardens—[+ and rise I ~ all rise.] Excellent Senior Grand Warden, who are you? S. W.—A Freemason and Knight. T. P.—How do you work? S. W.—With the sword in one hand, and trowel in the other. T. P—Whence came you? S. W.—From the East. T. P.—What do you bring? S. W.—Liberty to work. / T. P.—What is your work? S. W.—To rebuild the Temple. T. P.—What is your age? S. W.—Ten weeks of years. T. P.—What is the time? S. -W.—The instant of the re-edification. T. P—Since the time has arrived (as we are assured) of ~liberty to work, and nothing more remains to do but to execute what we have determined upon; Sir Knights Wardens, announce that this Council of Knights of the East is about to be closed. S. W.—Excellent Junior Grand Warden, you will announce that this Council of Knights of the East is about to be closed. J. W.—Sir Knights, this Council of Knights of the East is about to be closed. T. P.—Together, Sir Knights.

Give sign of the degree; afterwards, battery 5 and 2. SIXTEENTH DEGREE 153 JEWELS All of which are inclosed in squares 1st Officer.—A Hand oE Justice and Mallet, designating 3ust Ruler. ~nd Officer.—Circle, surrounding a Delta, designating Eternity of SIXTEENTH DEGREE—PRINCE OF JERUSALEM Deity. 3rd Officer.—Small Pillar of Strength and Shield, designating the Lion of Judah. 4th Officer—Compass on a segment of a circle, designating the Meas- MEANING O~’ THIS DEGREE ure of Peace. The Sixteenth Degree, or Prince of Jerusalem, being a continu- 6th Officer.—Balance in equipoise, designating Justice. 6th Officer—Parallelogram with Vase designating tTnbounded Treas- ation of the Fifteenth Degree, represents historically the t~oubles urer for the Temple. and trials of~ the ancient Masons, in their endeavors to rebui[d the 7th Officer—Trowel and Plumb, designating Conductor oE the Works. Temple: their obtaining permission, and their final success, under 8th Officer.—Spear, designating Guardian of Secrecy. the authority and will of Darius, the successor of King Cyrus, in 9th Officer.—F]aming Sword, designating Vengeance. the completion of that noble edifice, in ~he sixth year of his reign, which Temple was like unto—if not more magnificent—than the COSTUMES first built by the great King Solomon. This Temple covered the The costumes of all the officers, except that of the Grand High Priest, same ground as the one destroyed by Nebuzaradan, and was fur- at a Reception, are those of Knights of the East or Sword, i.e., black nished with the same precious vessels returned by King Darius robes with hoods, water green colored sashes, with rosettes, swords, belts and trowels. The apron of the Fourteenth degree may be properly worn. from Babylon to the Jews. Battery :—+ ++++ The degree of Prince was conferred by King Darius, and rati- Apron: —Crimson, edged with gold, lined with aurora-color. The flap fied and confirmed by the Knight Masons at Jerusalem, as a Masonic is aurora-color. Painted or embroidered on the area of the apron are a acknowledgment to Zerubbabel and his companions for their preser- square, a shield, a Delta, a hand of justice, apair of balances in equipoise, vation, and frank averment of Masonic virtues, despite the highest and sometimes a representation of the Temple. honors tendered by the King. Jewel :—A lozenge-shaped mother of pearl. Encrusted on it in gold is a hand holding a balance in equipoise; under it a two-edged sword, hilt down, with five stars surrounding the point, the center one larger than OFFICERS the others, and the letters D and Z in Hebrew, one on the left and the 1. Most Equitable Sovereign Prince Grand Master, represents Zeru- other on the right of the balance. babbel, son of Shealtiel. 2. GThnd High Priest Deputy Grand Master, represents Joshua, son of OPENING Jozadak. G. M.—+ Valiant Grand Tyler, where is your station in a 3. Most Enlightened Senior Grand Warden, represents Seraiah, Prince council of Princes of Jerusalem? of Judah. 4. Most Enlightened Junior Grand Warden, represents Mordecai, G. T.—At the door of the Council chamber. Prince of Benjamin. G. M.—Your duty there? 5. Valiant Keeper of Seals, represents Esdras, Prince of the Law. G. T.—To follow the instructions of the Valfant Grand Master 6. Valiant Grand Treasurer, represents Ananias, Prince of the Temple. of Entrances, and to keep guard at the door of the Council chamber. 7. Grand Miaster of Ceremonies, represents Solomiel, Prince of Work- G. M.—Receive the implement of your office, and repair to your men. 8. Grand Master of Entrance, represents Nehemiah, Prince of the station. Guards. G. M.—++ Valiant Grand Master f Entrances, your station 9. Grand Tyler. and duty~ [L2J 154 SIXTEENTH DEGREE SIXTEENTH DEGREE 155 M. E.—Near the door of the Council-chamber, to communicate High Priest? C — with the Grand Tyler, and to obey the orders of the Sovereign S. W.—Before the canopy and Throne of the West. Prince Grand Master. V G. M.—His duty? G. M.—Your name and title ‘~ S. W.—To perform the religious ceremonies of the Council, and M. E.—Nehemiah, Prince of the Guards. (when required) to act as the substitute of the Sovereign Prince G. M.—Take the badge of your office, and take your station in t Grand Master. the council. G. M.—Most Excellent Prince ~ofJudali, what are you here? G. M.—+++ [Grand Master of Ceremonies rises.] Valiant S. W.—Sovereign Prince, I am chosen one among the most an- Grand Master of Ceremonies, your station? cient of Masons. M. of C.—In the North, Sovereign Prince Grand Master. G. M.—Wliat is your age¶ ~. M.—Your duty there~ S. W.—Eighty-five years of experiences.~ M. of C.—To superintend the workmen, and conduct the works G. M.—Most Excellent Prince of Judah, your duty? of the council. y S. W.—To sustain the rights and glory of Masonry. G. M.—Your natne and title? G. M.—What is the hour? M. of C.—Solomiel, Prince of the Workmen. S. W.—The hour in which we must employ ourselves with vigor G. M.—Assume the implements of your office, and retire to your and in despite of all obstacles. station. 47 G. M.—Together Princes! [Signs of Fifteenth and Sicteenth G. M.—Valiant Grand Master of Ceremonies, the station of the Degrees are now given.] Grand Keeper of the Seals and of the Grand Treasurer? M. of C.—On their thrones at your right and left. OFFICIAL DECLARATION G. M.—++++ [Keeper of Sea7s and Treasurer rise.] Valiant Grand Treasurer, your duty? I RECEPTION G. T.—To take charge of the treasures of the Temple. The labors in a Council of Princes are suspended, and a Conclave of G. M.—Your name and titLe. Knights of the East declared open. The candidate, clothed as a Knight of the East or Sword, is introduced without form. The doors being thrown open, G. T.—Ananias, Prince of the Temple. the brethren are at labor. Some are engaged in drawing plans, others mould- G. M.—Valiant Keeper of the Seals, your duty? L ing, cutting stone, etc. Each brother has a sword, either in his hand or within K. of S.—To act; as the custodian of the laws and archives of his reach. As the candiate enters, or soon after, he is addressed as follows: the Grand Council. J. W.—Sir Knight, you are late to-day. Were you in the affray G. M —Your name and title’? of yesterday ~ [Candidate of course answers in the negative.] We K. ~f S.—Esdras, Prince of the Law. ¾ had barely commenced our labors, ~whenour foes made their ap- G. M.—Prince Esdras, the stations of the two Princes Wardens? pearance in force. We formed, and met their attack; and after K. of S.—At the left and right hand of t;he Grand High Priest a desperate conflict dispersed them. I am sick at; heart. These in the West. continued interruptions will so reduce our energy and our numbers G. M.—+++++ [The Wardens and the Grand High Priest I! as to leave us nothing to hope for. arise.] Most excellent Junior Grand Warden, your name and title? Senior Grand Warden now encounters the candidate and Junior Grand J. W.—Mordecai, Prince of Benjamin. Warden. G. M.—Most Excellent Senior Grand Warden, your name and S. W.—Brother Knights, how it is with you to-day? I learn title? from our spies that the enemy is still hovering about us. •When is S. W.—Seraiali, Prince of Judah. this to end? Would that Cyrus were now alive! We might hope G. M.—Most Excellent Prince of Judah, the seat of the Grand for assistance. I I 156 SrXTEEN*1~H DEGREE SrXTEENTH DEGREE 157 J. W.—Cyrus is lost to us. We shall never complete the re- I G. M.—See the cause of this alarm. edification. ii. Grand Master of Ceremonies approaches. Captain of the Guard will ascertain. The Giand High Priest, in full robes, enter~, accompanied by two Levites, in white, one on either side of him. M. of C.—You are right, my brother; the enterprise never will After entering, he raises his hand and gives the sign of command. Grand Master be completed. Naught is left us but vain hopes. Our brother 4.4.4.. AJi rise, and officers take their stations. Knights must soon succumb to imperative fate. Our loss in the last engagement; was severe. Our numbers are being constantly H. P.—Oh, Zerubbabel, why is it you are thus idle’? Has the reduced. Sovereign Grand Architect of the Universe placed the mallet in J. W.—The haggard and dejected looks of our brethren are a your hand for naught ‘?—to sit here in inactivity’? And you, Cli Knights, what is it you thus thoughtlessly do? Was it for this sure indication of speedy dissolution. you have been redeemed from captivity’? Let the time that has past A clashing is heard without, as an attack by an enemy. The brethren seize their swords, and are formed in line of battle, under the direction of the Grand suffice for having been spent in sighs and tears. No longer waste Master and Captain of the Guard. While waiting, a sentinel hastily enters. your time in idleness. Shame on you, to be thus inactive, while the Sentinel—Grand Master, an attack was made by a small body grass and weeds are growing over the foundation of the House of Jehovah, and the reptiles are polluting the sacred ruins. Arouse! Cl of the enemy, who endeavored to surprise our outposts, but being on the alert, they were beaten and driven back, with slight loss to us. G. M.—You well know, 0 Pontiff, how great was the ardor of G. M.—~Tis well. Return to your commander, and express to these Illustrious Knights in former days. When they left Babylon him my thanks for his zeal. they were full of zeal. You yourself were a witness of t;heir ex- Sentinel departs. ploits. They then overcame all opposition, and surmounted every obstacle. But alas! in vain did Solomiel and his workmen work G. M.—Captain of the Guard, you will now dismiss the Knights with expedition, while their enemies were continually on the alert and resume your labor. to surprise them. In vain did these Knight-Masons labor with the Captain of the Guard dismisses the brethren. Some take their working trowel in one hand and the sword in the other, ready either for work tools and resume their labor. Others sit or lie down. The most perfect apathy exists. Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden and Grand Master of or for combat with their enemies. Counselors hired against us Ceremonies continue at their labor. 1k have frustrated our best intentioned designs, and we are contin- J. W.—[Looking around at the brethren.] My brethren, I can- ually harassed in our work by the cabals of our foes, who are sus- not blame you. We must soon sink under this afllict;ion. Mind and tained by civil power. Our will is to be act;ive in the prosecution body exhausted, I too, feel its effects. of our duties as Masons, but we are circumvented, and nothing is left to us but; vain sighs and tears, instead of confidence and joy. Junior Grand Warden ceases won,. H. P.—I come, in the name of Jehovah, to declare to you his M. of C.—[To Senior Grand Warden.] My brother [pointing to brethren], to this it has come at last. •When, oh, when shall we will. Arm yourself with strength, Zerubbabel—arm yourselves with find relief’? I am weak and disheartened. Courage and zeal are strength and faith, all of you who hear me. Set about the work of re-edification in earnest. Do not despair of success. Be en- both gone. Grand Master of Ceremonies ceases work. couraged to persevere; for it is so prophesied. The Sovereign Grand Architect is on your side. If Jehovah is for us, we need not care S. W.—I too, my brother. who is against us. Senior Grand Warden ceases work. Shortly an alarm is heard of 5 and 2 J. W.—Sovereign Master, inspiring are the words we have just at the door. listened to. They impart new life and vigor. The reign of tyranny C. of G.—Sovereign Prince Grand Master, there is an alarm of we believe to be past. This is the second year of the reign of the 5 and 2. King now seated on the Throne of Nations. He is noble, generous,

L ~Cj

158 SIXTEENTH DEGREE SIXTEENTH DEGREE 159 and a worthy successor of the great Cyrus. He was in alliance with OBLIGATION us before he ascended the throne, and he cannot have forgotten our ______in the presence of the Knights here assembled, do ancient friendship, nor will he be deaf to our complaints. promise and swear upon my sword to be faithful to the secrets of S. W.—Sovereign Master, we must do more. Our petitions will have little efficacy if expressed in writing only. Your presence will the embassy I am about to engage in, and to devote myself faithfully to its performance. give to them greater weight. Deign, then, yourself to be our am- bassador. Resources shall not be wanting. There is not one of us M. of C.—Rise, my brethren, and prepare. but will cheerfully and liberally contribute all the means that may ~. M.—Brother Knights, we will at once arm and prepare our- be necessary for the purpose. selves for our journey. Sovereign Grand High Priest, deign to H. P.—Joy! for the people you have saved from captivity will come and occupy my place during my absence. rejoice indeed, when you lead and direct them in the great work The Grand Righ Priest approaches the East, and the Sovereign Prince of re-edification. To you alone will belong that glory. You will be Grand Master gives him the gavel, saying: Ii the angle which will bind the building. In you will be found the Receive this sceptre of the Masons. It cannot be deposited in heart to dare and the hand to do. From you will proceed the Masters bett;er or safer hands. I and Intendants of the work. G. M.—Generous brethren and beloved Knights, your request Grand High Priest receives the gavel, and occupies the East. and your counsels have determined me, and I depart according to H. P.—Go, illustrious and brave Knights. May a luminous East your advice and desire; but it is expedient that four of your prin- enlighten your departure, and announce your auspicious return. cipal Knights should accompany me, as much for the majesty of G. M.—Let; nothing more prevent us from proceeding on our your embassy as for its security against its adversaries which will mission. Let us now put on our armor and depart instantly. not suffer us to proceed on our expedition without opposition. I The Sovereign Prince Grand Master draws his sword, and directs his pray you, therefore, to allow to march with me the Illustrious companions to do the same. They now appear before the altar and give the Knights I may select to aid me with their arms and their counsel. salute. I propose— G. M.—Attention, Knights! Right face! Forward march! Col- (Names the candidate and three other Knights, in all making four, besides umn right! I Zerubbabel) The Sovereign Prince Grand Master takes the lead, and marches into the inner room or armory. Knights distinguished for their talents and constancy during the events that have so oppressed our hearts. Do you assent that they G. M.—Put on this armor, brethren, in order that we may be be ass6~diated with me in this embassy’? prepared for our dangerous and thorny mission. As soon as all are ready, he says: The Knights give the sign of assent. Now follow me. Be on the alert, for foes will endeavor to sur- Draw near, then [iutming the Knights selected] that you may take prise us. upon yourselves the engagements ap pertaining to your new functions, and give to this Council assurance that they can rely on your The Sovereign Prince Grand Master and companions now go forth, and while traversing the Second Apartment are accosted by the enemy. devotion in the important enterprise we are about to undertake. Enemy—Who goes there’? The Grand Master of Ceremonies now causes the four Knights selected to G. M.—We are travelers on our way to Persia. kneel at the overthrown altar, and also causes them to put the points of their swords, which they ho]d in their hands, on the altar. He then dictates the Enemy—Are you not workmen of the Temple? following~ G. M.—We are. SIXTEENTH DEGREE 161 160 SIXTEENTH DEGREE •1 Enemy—Then you cannot pass here unless you pay tribute to what I have to communicate in their behalf; and I myself am happy, us. while paying you their tribute of respect, to have the opportunity IG M~,~—We are Freemasons. We pay tribute to the Grand Arch- to acquit myself also of what is due to our former friendship. ~itect of-the Universe alone. We put our trust in Him. Forward! Darius—Zerubbabel, your people have not misjudged. They could not have selected an agent to act for them that could pos- An attack—the encmy are repulsed. sibly have been more acceptable to me than thou art. G. M.—Courage, my brethren! Remember, our cause is just. We notice with pleasure that you have not forgotten our ancient Be armed with faith and hope, and we shall conquer. ties of affection and friendship, and Darius will not, on his part, They advance, and are agnin accosted by enemies. forget those ties which were dear to him while yet in private life. Enemy—Who goes there’? Worthy Knights, be seated. G. M.—We are from the Temple, on our way to the court of - Grand Master and companions are seated.

Darius. Darius—Your arrival among us is very opportune, to enable - Enemy—My friends, here is a chance for booty. The Masons you to participate in the feast w& give this day to the grandees of have great I;reasures—let us rob them. our kingdom, and to this we invite you and your associates. Pre- Another attack—the enemy are beaten. vions to which we wish you to pronounce your opinion on a certain question that shall be propounded for discnssion. G. M.—My brethren, we have again triumphed over our enemies. The God of Battles is with us. Satrap of Assyria, do you state the question, and the reward we have promised to him who shallanswer it in the most satisfactory They now proceed until they arrive at the Third Apartment. As soon as manner. the Grand Master leaves the main room, the members prepare the apartment for the return of the ambassadors. On the arrival of the Grand Master and The Satrap rises, makes an obeisance to the King, and turning towards companions at the court of Darius, Zerubbabel knocks + ~ the assembly, says: Usher [Opening the door.] —Who are you, and what is your Satrap of A.—The King of Kings, wishing to dispense his favors errand’? with a liberal hand, has deigned to promise the second place near G. M.—A deputation of Knights of the East desire an audience his august majesty, the privilege of being clothed in purple, wear- with King Darius. ing a golden baldric, and being seated on a golden throne, to him Usher [C7osingthe door.] —A deputation of Knights of the East who shall be able in the most satisfactory manner to resolve the desire an audience of your Majesty. question: “What is that which holds the most powerful sway over Darius.—Let the Knights of the East enter. mortals’?” The Satrap now turns to Darius. UsEer throws the door wide open. Grand Master and companions enter. When they reach the center of the room they will make an obeisance. Can it be possible that a question like this can for one moment G. M.—O King, the Jewish people whom I have the honor to be a subject of doubt or deliberation to any one who adverts to thee, thou Son of the Sun’? You have this day, composing your govern, wishing to testify to you their joy at the advancement of your august majesty to the throne, have deputed me, with the illus- court, one hundred and twenty-seven potentates of the most distant nations. Peace and war are in your hands. The life and trious Knights, my companions, to tender to you their congratula- tions on your ascension to the throne of all the East. You have death of your subjects depend upon your will. A word from your lips is a decree to all the earth. All we possess belongs to you. Our their sincere wishes for your health and happiness. In consequence of the kindness and benevolence with which you formerly favored very persons are yours. The universal world has no master but you. There cannot be a more potent than Darius, King of all the East— me, they have been induced to hope that, in choosing me as their representative, you would be pleased the more graciously to receive Sovereign of Sovereigns. Therefore I say, “The King Darius.” 162 SrXTEENTH DEGREE SIXTEENTH DEGREE 163

All applaud except Zerubbabel and his companions. The Satrap of Media Darius descends from the throne and leads to theThanquet hall. Zerubbabel now rises and makes his obeisance to the King. and his companions follow. The courtiers follow them. When the banquet is Satrap of Media—What remains for me to say, 0 King’? Shall over, al] will return to the Council hall, and be seated as before. I dare to differ in opinion from the Satrap of Assyria, who has Darius—By eating and drinking together, we have renewed and received the plaudits of your whole court’? He contends there is cemented the ties of our ancient friendship. Speak therefore, nothing greater than yourself. 0 King! I acknowledge your great- Zerubbabel, with confidence, and state unreservedly what you have ness—the ec7at of your name, the splendor of your throne, the mag- to ask in behalf of your nation. nitude of your power, and the grandeur of your riches. a. M.—Great King, the misfortunes of my people are not un- But greater than all this is the empire of Beauty! This softens known to you. Consult the annals of your empire. You will find the heart of the most ferocious, gains over judges the most severe, therein that Cyrus, feeling for our misfortunes, freed us from our and triumphs over masters the most imperious. Deprived of for. chains. He gave us permission to rebuild the wall of our city and tune, it needs it not. If devoid of worldly rank and dignity, it the Temple of th~ living God. But, alas! such happy auspices were rises above all. All stations of life are subject to it. The power of short duration. Incessantly persecuted by the hostilities of the of the gods of the earth, though respected and feared, is as nothing Syrians and Samaritans, we were not able to carry on our work in comparison with the power of beauty. save with the trowel in one hand and the sword in the other. All applaud more loudly than before, except Zerubbabel and his com- Soon after the loss of our potent protector, our labors were totally obstructed by the perfidious acts of our enemies, who de- panions. After a ~vhile Zerubbabel rises. picted us to you as seditious and dangerous to your government and G. M.—Wliat is this, 0 Darius, I hear in your court’? It is al- person. We have in consequence been forced to abandon our works. ready corrupted by flattery and effeminacy’? Reject! reject with Remember, most august King, the vow you formerly made to the indignation those sentiments of yourself that have just been uttered. sovereign dispenser of crowns, that if you ever obtained the one Strength and power reside in kii=gs.Beauty has its influence, but you now wear, you would advance Lhe rebuilding of the holy it is the mark of wisdom to acknowledge the empire of Truth. Temple, and make restitution of all its treasures. Your wish has Truth is omnipotent—greater than any transitory throne—more been accomplished, but your vow has not been fulfilled. This is endurable than any frail, decaying beauty. These are both of short the grace I humbly pray for. duration, but truth lives forever. I Darius—Our promise and our vow shall be fully executed. Ar- Darius—Yes, Zerubbabel; come, and by receiving the reward taban, deliver to Zerubbabel a copy of the order of Cyrus, and add so justly due you, cause to shine forth the triumph of truth. Re- thereto our own sealed with our seal, addressed to all our governors ceive this order. and officers for the Syrians and Samaritans, expressly forbidding Places sash of Prince of Jerusalem on his neck. them, under capital pains and penalties to trouble or hinder in Ascend the throne and take your seat at my left hand. Artaban, ahy way, in time to cpme, the Masons of the Holy Temple in their works. invest Zerubbabel with a robe of purple. Artaban prepares the document. Satrap of Assyria will invest. Render to the Masons the precious columns, the vases, the chan- The highest award we can bestow upon you will not be commen- deliers, the ornaments, and other furniture of the Temple, what- surate with your deserts for having saved us from this snare of ever it may be, and without exception, which still remains in corruption. We are infinitely indebted, besides the recompense Babylon. offered, and in order to attach nearer to our person so precious a Furnish to Zerubbabel, from our own treasures, all that will be friend as thou art, Zerubbabel, we tender you, this moment, the needed for the consecration of the holy edifice. And you, Zerubba- office of Grand Master of our House. bel, we establish Sovereign Prince of Jerusalem; and we grant the 164 SIXTEENTH DEGREE BIXTEE~TH DEGREE 165 title of Prince to the Hebraic Knights who have accompanied you in your embassy. You will instruct them to aid you in your govern- U. P.—Welcome, most noble Zerubbabel, and glorions Princes! ment. The God of our fathers has heard our petition. We welcome you We give you the power, right and authority to confer the like all. Right well have you served your country and your God. title upon all those of your Masonic brethren whom you may deem G. M.—Thanks, venerable High Priest, for your welcome. With worthy, capable and faithful to the great and glorious cause in which your permission, my brother knights and myself will retire a while you are engaged. and rest, after which we will return and relate the result of our Go, then, Illustrious Knights, be princes and judges over all the labors. people beyond the river; that is, over all those who acknowledge Zerubbabel and companions retire. The Masons shout: “Glory to the the law of your God. Princes! ‘‘ As soon as they retire, the Grand High Priest will occupy the seat All the country you are to rule over shall be completely free. in the East. The brethren form in two parallel lines to receive Zerubbabel and his companions. When all is in readiness, Ze-ubbabel will ~ ~. Our gatherers of tribute shall not come to trouble you, and we take you forever under our royal protection. G. M.—The God of our fathers be blessed! and you, great King, C. of G.—Grand High Priest, there is an alarm. receive at your feet the protestations of our homage and gratitude. H. P.—Ascertain the cause. C. of G.—[O pens the, door and discovers Zerubbabel and com- Zerubbabel and companions kneel. panions.]—Grand High Priest, it is the Prince Zerubbabel and com- Darius—Bold Zerubbabel! We cannot permit this homage to pan ions. ourself—render to your people your devotion. Hasten to return II. P.—Admit them. Brethren, prepare to receive them. to them; they are, no doubt, anxious lo receive you. Depart, and The doors are thrown open. Zerubbabel and companions enter. All ap- take with you all those that are willing to follow you. For the plaud ~ ‘~. Zerubbabel halts in front of the altar. time to come, you shall have nothing to fear. Conduct your Ma- G. M.—Grand Pontiff, and illustrious Knights, we have fulfilled sonic works to perfection. Be crowned with glory. Let there be with success the mission you put in our charge, near the court of between you and us an alliance of peace. Darius. That monarch favored us greatly. You need not now fear Dai,jus embraces Zerubbabel. the intrigues of your enemies. The King gave us these patents. Artaban, are the dispatches prepared’? You will see by them how well assured you may be of the fulfillment of your proudest hopes, and of the complete success of our Artaban gives dispatches to Darius, who delivers them to Zerubbabe]. The enterprise. various treasures are now presented. - Dttrius—My friends, depart in peace. Gives the documents to the High Priest, who reads as follows: Zerubbabel and companions salute and retire, preceded by two Heralds DECREE with trumpets. Darius and his court immediately after will disrobe and proceed to the First Apartment, to participate in the reception. While the mem- Darius, King of Kings, Sovereign of Sovereigns, to Sarabazan, bers are preparing the First Apartment, Zerubbabel will halt by the way. Grand Master of the Army, and to our other Grand Officers, and G. M.—My brethren, let us sit and refresh ourselves before pro- to our people beyond the river, greeting: ceeding on our journey. Zerubbabel and the Deputies of the Jews, having brought their complaints of the troubles with which you harass them in their The brethren in the First Apartment prepare for the reception of Zerub- babel, and will represent a street scene, if practicable, with triumphal arches. efforts to reconstruct their Temple and city which Cyrus, of glori- The brethren form in parallel lines. As Zerubbabel is about to enter, he is ons memory, had permitted them to build, we write this letter: announced by the Heralds, and the Masons cry out: “Welcome! Glory to the commanding you, as soon as you receive it, without fail to second Princes!” Zerubbabel passes through the lines until he reaches the High LPriest. with all your zeal and our authority the execution of the work. ~1~ 166 SIXTEENTH DEGREE SIXTEENTH DEGREE 167 If any one dare to impeach these our commands, or in any way Grand Master of Ceremonies and the companions retire, when a tableau is formed in the East in the following order: Lu the center of the group is hinder the execution of them, we order you to crucify him, and Zerubbabel, knee]ing, hands clasped, and eyes raised to heaven. At his feet to confiscate his property for the use of the holy Temple. are representatives of Nebuchadnezzar and Balthasar in chains, prostrate. As a mark of our confidence in Zerubbabel, we create him Soy- On the right of the ‘Grand Master is King Cyrus, in the act of laying a sword on the head of Zerubbabel, and in the other hand a green scarf, which he is ereigu Prince of Jerusalem, and on the Knights that accompanied offering him. On the left is Darius, offesing the ‘‘Decree.’’ On an elevated him in his embassy we confer the rank and title of Princes, with platform is the Grand High Priest bestowing a benediction. such powers as he shall establish on them; and we grant him full When the candidate re-enters, the curtain is drawn in front of the tableau. power and authority to install Princes, and elevate to the dignity All being in readiness, the Grand Master of Ceremonies and candidate re-enter of Princes of the Cities those whom he may see fit, and deem worthy without alarm and march to the altar and halt. and ~apable. M. ofC.—Brother Knights, you have passed through the cap- We delegate to him plenary authority, and we declare the - tivity, and have obtained your freedom and permission to rebuild Temple and the workmen employed on it to be free from all imposts the Temple. Let us look at the past and the present. from us. A nourish of trumpets; the curtain is raised, and the tableau is discovered. Thus we will and order. Done at our Castle of Ecbatan, the M. ofC.—Brother Knights, you see represented before you the 20th day of the month Tebeth, in the year of the world 3,483, in the Sovereign Prince Zerubbabel, receiving the benediction of the High year of Cyrus the Fifteenth, and of our reign the second. Priest, while Zerubbabel, with hands and eyes raised to heaven, [SEAL.] DARIUS. implores the grace of the Grand Architect. At his feet, prostrated, are the tyrants Nebuchadnezzar and Balthasar—emblematic of the H. P—Princes, enjoy the honors which are due to you, and fate of those who disobey the laws of God. On either side are the which Darius has granted to you with so much discernment. All the kings who favored our enterprise. Cyrus is in the act of conferring Masons will proclaim you with great joy. knighthood, and Darius presenting the decree that has raised us G. M—While the altars of Jehovah are prostrate in the dust, we from despair to happiness. will not take our seats on our thrones. When our labors are finished, 0 Pontiff, and not till then, will we agree to accept the The Grand Master of Cer monies will then conduct the companions once around the room, and when the back of the candidate is townids the East, the recompense and honors awarded to us. curtain will be dropped in front of the tableau. The Grand Master will resume his station. The Grand Master of Ceremomes will place the candidate in front The Grand High Priest now walks to the center of the room and surrenders of the altar, the Knights all standing. the gavel to Zerubbabel. The Grand High Priest raises the altar, and the brethren place the room generally in order. The confusion that heretofore G. M.—Illustrious Knights, our work as Knights is happily fin- existed is dispelled. While this is being done, the Grand Master will make a show o~f placing four stones in each corner of the room. Order is restored. ished. Illustrious Knight Seraiah, whence came you? Zerubbabel assumes his place in the East. S. W—From the East. H. P.—O Zerubbabel, the work is accomplished. It is you of G. M.—What have you brought thence? whom it is said: “In the East is a germ which will produce its S. W.—Liberty to work. fruit. Thence wiLl proceed one who will raise up the Temple of G. M.—Since the liberty to work has been restored to us, our Jehovah; and the glory of this new house shall surpass that of labors are now completed, I close the Council of Knights of the the first, and it will be the asylum of peace.” East. +++++ ++ G. M.—If I have been the humble instrument to carry into effect Wardens—+++++ ++ the bchests of Providence, I also humbly bow to his will. Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies, you will conduct my com- G. M.—Knights, our ministry is now to elevate to the rank of panions to the outer works, that they may be better able to judge of Princes, in our mystic Order, Illustrious Knights , granting I our condition. a Masonic achnowledgment of the act of King Darius. 168 SIXTEENTH DEGREE SIXTEENTH DEGREE 169 tiraw near, Knights, and in the name of the God of Sabaoth take memory of the unbounded liberality of Darins, King of Persia, to the oath which is to bind you in your new quality to your Masonic the oppressed Jews. May its aurora color, with the early dawn, brethren. You will now kneel, place your hands on the four great daily bring to your mind the beauties of lasting friendship for your Lights,’and cross swords, and assume your vow. fellow Princes, against whom you never can combat, and in whose The Master of Ceremonies conducts the candidate to the altar. The Grand favor, as well as in your own, you have assumed new vows. It is Master raps +++, and the Knights form lines. The Grand Master then says: suspended from the right shoulder to the left hip. G. M.—Repeat after me your The apron of this degree is triangular, and in rich keeping with the sash. The area is crunson, in token of the sufferings of the Jews from the Samaritans, when building the second Temple. The OBLIGAT[ON trimmings in triangular flap aurora color, for like reasons as men-

I, , promise, and swear, land vow, on the faith and honor tioned in describing the ~sash. Upon the area of the apron are of a Knight and Prince of Masonry, never to swerve from justice, wrought in gold a representation of the second Temple and precious duty, and truth, nor to permit any one else to do so, nor to violate vessels. the general laws and particular rules of Masonry; and that I will The jewel is made of the mother-of-pearl, in the shape of a never advise nor direct Masons except in conformity with the sacred lozenge, having incrusted upon it in gold and silver, a Balance at laws and rules, and with the truth. equipoise, on the either side of which is a D and a Z in Hebrew; That I will at all times acknowledge the Supreme Authority, and 7 beneath the center of the scale, a dagger with point up; resting on submit to the decrees of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third which is a star, with two smaller stars on either side thereof. The Degree. mother-of-pearl denotes parity, the scales justice, the dagger ven- That I will be just to my brethren, and not rule them tyranni- geance, the five stars Zerubbabel and his four companions, and the cally, but in love. D and Z, Darius and Zerubbabel. That I will put away totally every kind of party spirit and 211. of C.—You may now, my brother, be seated as a Knight and hatred toward my brethren. Prince. That I will never challenge any of my Masonic brethren of this CLOSING Degree, nor fight, nor combat with him, and never by word or deed attack his honor or character. - G. M.—+ Valiant Grand Master of Entrances, your station That I will faithfully keep secret whatever takes place in our and duty? Council. M. ofE.—Near the door of the Council-chamber, to communi- Th~.t I will ever advocate the principles, and strive to sustain the cate with the Grand Tyler and to obey the orders of the Sovereigu glory of our Order, in the fullest extent, wherever it becomes Prince Grand Master. necessary. G. M.—+ ++ Valiant Grand [~Iaster of Ceremonies, your All this I promise and swear, under pain of being deprived of station? all the honors and privileges of Knight and Prince Mason, and of M. of C.—In the North, Sovereign Prince Grand Master. being deemed infamous and degraded from thcir society. Amen! Amen! G. M—Your duty there? G. M.—Rise, Brother and Knight—I hail you as a Prince of M. ofC.—To superintend the workmen and conduct the works Jerusalem and Messenger of peace. Receive the attributes to which of the Council. you are entitled. G. M—Valiant Grand Masters of Ceremonies, the-station of the You have already been invested, Illustrious Prince, with the Grand Keeper of the Seals and of the Grand Treasurer? sash adopted by the Masonic Princes in token of their golden M. of C.—On their thrones at your right and left. 170 SIXTEENTH DEGREE SIXTEENTH DEGREE 171 G. M.—++++ Valiant Grand Treasurer, your duty? OFFICIAL DECLARATION G. T.—To take charge of the treasures of the Temple. S. W.—Prince of the Tribe of Benjamin, you will announce that

G. M.—Your name and title? this Council is now closed-. - G. T.—Ananias, Prince of the Temple. J. W.—Princes, this Council is now closed. + Grand Master G. M.—Valiant Keeper of the Seals, your duty? of Entrances, announce the same to the Tyler. K. ofS—To act as the custodian of the laws and archives of the Grand Council. G. M—Your name and title? K. of S.—Esdras, Prince of the Law. G. M.—Prince Esdras, the stations of the two Princes War,~ens? K. of S.—At the left and right hand of the Grand High Priest in the West. ( G. M•—+++++ [All rise.] Most EKcellent Junior Grand Warden, your name and title? J. W.—Mordecai Prince of Benjamin. G. M.—Most Excellent Senior Grand Warden, your name and title? S. W—Seraiah, Prince of Judah. G. M—Most Excellent Prince of Judah, the seat of the Grand High Priest? S. W—Before the canopy and Throne of the West. G. M—His duty? S. W—To perform the religious ceremonies of the Council, and (when required) to act as the substitute of the Sovereign Prince Grand Master. G. M.—Most Excellent Prince of Judah, the seat of the Grand Master$’ S. W.—Sovereign Prince, I am chosen one among the most ancient of Masons. G. M—What is your age? S. W.—Eighty-five years of experiences. G. M.—Most Excellent Prince of Judah, your duty? J. W.—To sustain the rights and glory of Masonry. G. M—What is the hour? J. W.—The heat of the day, when we should refresh from our toil. 1

SEVENTEENTH DEGREE 173

other end, pass through holes in one lid, being slightly attached to it by a drop of wax, so as to be easily separated, leaving the seals whole. OFFICERS SEVENTEENTH DEGREE—KNIGHTS OF THE Venerable Master, represents John the Baptist. EAST AND WEST Zealous Brother Senior Warden. Zealous Brother Junior Warden. Faithful Brother Treasurer. The Seventeenth Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite is Faithful Brother Secretary. Failhful Brother Lecturer. the first of the series of Moderu or Accepted Degrees, as used in Faithful Brother Examiner. - contradistinction to the term Ancient. It may also be designated, Faithful Brother Senior Deacon the first of the Philosophic Degrees. Faithful Brother Junior Deacon. The Word is again lost, and, figurativaly, the third Temple— Faithful Brother Outer Guard. in the heart of man—is to be built and dedicated to the God of- Faithful Brother Inner Guard. All brethren are termed faithful, and represent the disciples of John Truth. The revelations made in the ceremony of initiation cannot the Baptist. be fully understood in this degree, as they are introductory to the 4 CLOTHING, ETC. succeeding degree of Rose Croix, in which mysterium consumatum est. All are clothed in long white robes, with a red cross on the breast, APARTMENT AND DECORATIONS cirelets of gold upon their heads (coronet-shaped), and gold belts. Apron :—White satin, triangular in shape, lined with crimson and But one spacious apartment, besides the Preparation-room, is needed. bordered with gold; on the flap a two-edged sword, and in the center of It should be in the form of a heptagon, hung with crimson, sprinkled with the area a tetractys. stars of gold. In each angle is a square column, on the capitals of which OPENING —beginning at the southeast and going round by the southwest, in regular succession—are the initials respectively of the following words: Beauty, The Venerable Master is seated with his hand resting upon the Sealed Book. Divinity, Wisdom, Power, Honor, Glory, Force; and on the bases of these columns are the initials respectively of the words: Friendship, Union, Vencrabie Master—+ Faithful Brother Junior Deacon, the Resignation, Discretion, Fidelity, Prudence, and Temperance. On each first duty of Knights of the East and West in council? column a brilliant light. Junior Deacon—To see that we are secure from intrusion. In the East, an altar upon a canopied platform, to which you ascend V. M.—Scc to that, my brother, and caution the inner and outer by seven steps, supported or upheld by four lions, having between them a guards to sleep not upon their posts, but be vigilant; for we arc cherubimic figure with six wings and four heads, representing respectively the heads of a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. about to open this Preceptory, and must not be disturbed by the In f-ront of the altar is a throne, always vacant, and a footstool. profane. The seat of the Master is at the foot of the platform, in front, and Deacon goes out, gives the pass-word for the night to the guard, and returns. over the seat hangs a two-edged sword, surrounded by seven stars. In the East are displayed the Sun and Moon. - J. D.—Vcnerablc Master, the guards are posted—they have the In the West are two thrones, raised three steps each, for the two Wardens. pass-word and we arc secure. Around the room are twenty-four seats richly decorated. V. M.—It is well. Brother Junior Deacon, what is your duty as An assembly of Knights of the East and West is called a Preceptory, a Knight of the East and.West? and is composed of twenty-four members. J. D .—To work, to reflect, and to pray. On the right of the Master is a small table, having on it a ewer, nap- V. M—Faithful Brother Senior Deacon, what is your duty? kiris, and vase of perfumed oil. Senior Deacon—To hope, to trust, and to believe. On the altar is a silver basin with perfumed water, a chafing-dish with live coals, and a large Book, sealed with seven great seals, of green V. M.—Faithful Brother Examiner, what is your duty? wax, at least two inches in diameter, attached to red ribbons that, at the [172 3 174 SEVENTEENTH DEGREE SEVENTEENTH DEGREE 175 Examiner—To be vigilant that the base and selfish may find no hate us. Help us to serve thee without fear all the days of our life. admittance into the ranks of the faithful. Res.—Amcn. So mote it be. Amen. V. M.—Faithful Brother Lecturer, your duty? V. M.—Thc ~rst faint blush of dawn dims the light of the Lecturer—To teach the truths that lie hidden in the allegories. morning star, and this Preceptory is about to be opened. V. M.—Zcalous Brother Junior Warden, your duty? ~ All rise. Junior Warden—To revere God, love man, and be true to all. V. M.—Zealous Brother Senior Wai~den, your duty? V. M.—Thc glittering’ Seven fade in the North, and the day Senior Warden—To bear persecution with patience, and afflic- cometh. tion with resignation, to despise death, and minister to the wants J. W.—Yc shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary. of my brethren. S. W.—Yc shall obey my judgments, and keep my statutes. V M.—The duty of the Venerable Master? V. M.—Yc shall not profane the name of thy God. S. W.—To preach the truth in the desert of human life, to judge J. W.—Yc shall love and venerate, every many his father and with justice, and to c,pound the law to all. mother. V. M.—] recognize the duty. Zealous Brother Senior Warden, S. W.—Yc shall not glean your vineyards, nor gather every what is the hour? grape, nor wholly reap the corners of your fields, but leave some- S. W.—Before day; the Morning Star glitters in the East, on thing for the poor and the stranger. the shoulders of the hills over the desert, and the Seven arc low in V. IL—Nor steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie one to another. J. W.—Nor defraud, nor despoil your neighbors. the North. - V. M.—My brethren, the dawn of the new day approaches, bring- S. W.—Nor go up and downas talc-bearers among the people. ing with it light. The time cometh—to your knees. V. M—Yc shall not hate thy brother in thy heart, nor suffer thy Brethren all kneel facing the East. neighbor to go astray for want of warning. J. W.—Yc shall rise up respectfully before the hoary head, and PRAYER honor the presence of the aged man, and fear thy God. Responses by all the brethren. S. W.—Yc shall not vex the stranger in thy land; for ye were V. M.—Hcar us, our Father, God of the ancientpatriarchs, whom strangers in the land of Egypt. These are the statutes and judg- they adore on the plains of Chaldea! ments of the Lord thy God. Response—Bc gracious unto us, 0 God~ V. M.—Togcthcr, my brethren. V. M—Wc wander in the desert in darkness—we turn to thc The brethren all give the sign. East~nd look for the promised light. - V. M.—This Preceptory is opened in due form. Brother Junior ll~es.—Scnd us the dawn of day, our Father. Deacon, inform the guard. — V. M.—Wc sit in the shadow of death, and our feet tread the I margin of the sea that covers Sodom. Our tents whiten the desert He does so. upon its sterile shore. Send us thy light to guide our feet into the RECEPTION way of peace. Res.—Thy light to be the life of men. The candidate is received in the Preparation-room by the Examiner, who proceeds to divest him of his regalia and jewel, if he wears any. He is then V. M.—Send us the new law of love for which the world pines made to bare his feet, and place them in slippers. A hair-cloth is thrown over and languishes. Make war and bloodshed to cease among the na- his shoulders, fastened in front of the throat, and conllned around the waist by tions, and heart-burnings among the faithful to be no more. a girdle. He is then conducted to the door of the Preceptory, which is thus C - prepared for his reception: The brethren put off their regalia and jewels, and Res—Hclp us to love one another. appear in their white robes only. The Book with the Seven Seals is placed I’ V. Af.—Savc us from our enemies, and from the hand of all that upon the altar, and white curtains are let down from the ceiling to the floor, 176 SEVENTEENTH DEGREE SEVENTEENTH DEGREE 177 in front of the altar and platform, the hangings concealing all the seats, etc. The V. M. alone sits, all others stand. The small table at the right of the J. W.—The sign. Master is placed in the center of the room, and covered with white linen[ On He gives it. it are Set the chafing-dish, basin, and a vase with perfumed oil. All being prepared the Examiner ~ ~. The J. W. partly opens the door or J. W.—Thc grip. 4 portal. He gives it. +4 j J. W.—Who seeks admission here, and with what purpose? J. W.—I accept and recognize you as a brother. What found F~’x.—A weary traveler, who, having crossed the desert, wanders i you in the desert? on the shore of the Dead Sea, in darkness, seeking for light. Ex.—Paticnce and submission. J. W.—What does he desire? J. W.—What lesson have you learned on the shore of the Dead Ex.—To be admitted to know the -secrets of the 24 elders. Sea? J. W.—Whcnce comes he? Ex.—Humility and veneration. Ex.—From the schools of the philosophers of Grcece and Egypt. J. W.—By what does he expect to gain admission here? J. W.—What do you expect to find among us? Ex.—Thc true light. Ex.—By being a Mason, a Prince of Jerusalem, and a patient J. W —It is not yet day. We have but reached truth’s threshold; and humble searcher after truth. but we advance. Would you advance with us? J. W.—Do you vouch for this? Ex.—I do. Cand—I would. J. W.—Have you hitherto, to the best of your ability, been mind- J. W.—Then let him wait with patience and humility until the ful of your Masonic obligations, and striven to comply with them elders arc informed of his request. in the spirit and in truth? J. W. closes the door or portal, and reports to V. M. Can.—[ have. V. M.—Zealous Brother Junior Warden, go to this candidate J. W.—Havc you ever wronged a brother, or allowed him to be and strictly examine if he be a Mason, and if his principles be such wronged, when you could have prevented it, without afterwards that he may fitly be admitted among us. repenting and making reparation? The J. Warden goes to the candidate and questions him as follows: Can.—[ have not. J. W.—Have you any dissension or quarrel with a Brother J. W.—Do you declare that, uninfluenced by curiosity, or the Prince of Jerusalem unreconciled? desire of worldly advantage, or any base, low, or unworthy motive, Can.—I have not. and as an honest and earnest seeker after truth, you have come J. W.—It is well. Wait again with patience. hither? Candi?late—I do. S. W. then enters, approaches the East, and says: J. W.—Arc you a Mason? The Brother has satisfactorily answered the questions. Candidate answers as a Mason should. V. M.—My brethren, you have heard the report of the faithful. Shall the candidate be received? If you assent, give mc the sign. J. W.—To what degree have you attained? Can.—Prince of Jerusalem. All who assent give the sign. If the assent is unanimous, the V. M. says:

J. W.—Givc mc the pass-word of a Prince of Jerusalem. - Faithful Brother Examiner, you will please receive and intro- Candidate does so. duce the candidate. The Examiner goes out. The room is now dimly lighted, and the lights on J. W—The sacred word. the columns burning lovi. The brethren, except the Master, stand facing the Easb. The Examiner conducts the candidate once around the room, and halts Candidate does so. before the V. M. 178 SEVENTEENTH DEGREE SEVENTEENTH DEGREE 179 A V. M.—Brothcr, whence came you? shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; while the sun, or the light E~.—From the desert and darkness toward the light. or the moon, or the stars be not darkened, nor the clouds return V. M.—Havc you yet found the light? after the rain. Ex.—Vcncrablc Master, no; but the seven stars sink low in the V. M.—In the day when the limbs arc not yet trembling with north, the Plciadcs and Orion are in the zenith, the morning star age, nor the head bowed with sorrow, nor the eyes dim withweeping; I grows pale, and the dawn long expected approaches. before thou goest to thy long home, and the mourners go about the V. M.—Light comes from God. When clouds and darkness are streets; before the silver cord is loosened, and the golden bowl is around us, we should implore His aid. Let us do so, my brethren. broken, an~l the pitcher shivered at the spring, and the wheel shat. All kneel. tered at the cistern; before the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit to God who gave it. PRAYER V. M.—My Brother, when you became a Mason you placed your trust in God; do you still continue to do so? Our Father, who, when darkness brooded upon the vast chaos, and the universe lay a confused mass of struggling forces, without Can.—I do. form and void, didst move upon it, and said: “Let there be light!” V. M.—Knccl, then, and be consecrated to the service of truth. and light was; thou who didst set the light against the darkness, 21e kneels in front of the V. M.; the brethren form a circle around him; and call the one Day and the other Night; thou who ddst set the then the V. M. takes in his hand a small quantity of perfumed water and pours lesser and the greater lights in heaven, enable this candidate to find it on his head, saying:

the light he sceketh. Let the dawn of the new day arise to him, and — In imitation of our ancient Masters, the Egyptians, and as a shine upon the clouds of error, and cause the darkness of ignorance token and solemn pledge that you here cnceforth and forever to flee away and be seen no more forever. Amen. renounce all that is vicious, sordid, and base, I pour upon thy head AZ7—Amen! this pure water, and I devote and consecrate thee to the service of V. M.—And Amen! truth, justice, virtue, and benevolence. —. V. M.—My Brother, the innocent and pure of heart alone can The J. W. places the chafing-dish, with live coals, over his head, so that be admitted to our mysteries. the candidate may feel the heat. A brother brings a basin of pure water and white towel, and places them on the table. V. M.—Lo! a symbol of that baptism with the spirit and with - fire, purified by which man becomes God ‘s soldier, to war against V. M.—In token of that innocence and purity and as a pledge to fanaticism, bigotry, falsehood, and the whole brood of kindred us tha~’your hands shall henceforward never be defiled by unjust fiends that have so long made a hell upon earth, which was created gain, tyranny, oppression, injustice, baseness, or fraud, you will a Paradise. To suffer is the noblest lot of man here below; for -wash them in the pure water before you. none but those who suffer doth God baptize with spirit and with The candidate does so, and the V. M. proceeds. fire. My Brother, you have been baptized with water and with The living know that they shall die, but the dead know not any- fire, and you arc clad in hair-cloth as a token of sorrow and peni- thing; neither have they any more a reward, for the memory of tence. Arc you prepared to suffer in the cause of Masoury, and for them is forgotten; also their love, and their hatred, and their envy the good of your fellow-men? is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in Can,.—I am. anything done under the sun. V. M.—My Brethren, who is there among you worthy to open S. W.—Rcmcmbcr now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, the Book with Seven Seals? L while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou Pause. Lays his hand upon the head of the candidate. -i SEVENTEENTH DEGREE 180 SEVENTEE~TH DEGREE 181 My Brother, Socrates drank the hemlock when the -doors of his bat with a Brother of the degree, except in the clearest case of self. prison were open, that he might not set the example of disobeying defense; and that I will, at all times, when he has justice on his the laws of his ungrateful country. Curtius leaped in his armor - side, be ready to aid and support him against any who seek his into the gulf, that could only thus be closed, and else would swallow life, or to destroy his honor, reputation, peace of mind, or estate; Rome. Daniel prayed three times a day openly to God, although that I wifl never slander, revile, or endeavor to bring into contempt knowing that the penalty was exposure, naked, to hungry lions. a Brother of this degree, or cast ridicule upon him, or suffer others An army of martyrs have offered up their lives, a willing sacrifice to assail his character in his absence, without resenting the same; to their faith or to benefit mankind; none other can open the great I and that I will, on all occasions, consult his honor and his interest. Book with Seven Seals and learn the mysteries that arc hidden I furthermore promise and swear that I will be just and upright, herein. Are you prepared to shed your blood in proof of your benevolent to my fellow-men, and indulgent of their errors; that fidelity and courage? I will pay due respect and obedience ~o the superior authority of Can.—I am. the Ancient and Accepted Rite, and especially to the Knights of V. M.—Preparc him then, for his last trial. Kadosh, Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, and Sovereign Grand

— Seated in a chair. His left arm is bandaged. A slight incision made near Inspectors-General, of the Thirty-third Degree, within whose juris- the vein with a lancet, so as to draw a little blood, and tepid water is poured diction I may chance to be; and that I will assist and support them upon it in a small stream which falls into a basin on the fioor to produce the in all proper and justifiable measures for the good of Masonry, impression that he is bleeding. it according to the Constitutions of the Supreme Council. / V. M.—Enough, my brethren! The cause of humanity does not To all of which I solemnly promise and swear, invoking the just now require our Brother’s life. Whenever it shall, let him be pre- anger of the Deity if I willfully violate this, my solemn, deliberate pared to lay it upon the altar of his God. Bind up his wounds! and voluntary obligation; so help me, God, and keep mc steadfast His arm is dressed and bandaged. to perform the same. V. M.—Thou hast wandered long in the desert and upon the ,~w-, V. M.—Arise! I now accept and receive you as a Brother of shores of th.e Dead Sea. Dost thou pray for light? this degree, and further devote you to its duties. Can.—I do. The V. M. takes the vase of oil and anoints his head, eyes, mouth, heart, the tip of his right ear, his right hand and right foot, saying: V. M.—He seeks to find the truth—give him light. Your brain, sight, speech, passions, hearing, and powers of work He is then made to kneel upon both knees, and repeats the and action—instruments to man for good or evil—I hereby forever OBLIGATJ ON I devote to good, and charge you hereafter to let them aid in no base, dishonest, or vicious thoughts or action. Thus devoted, pledged, and sworn, and having sealed your covenant with your blood, you I, , in the presence of the one God, Creator of the universe, and calling upon these brethren as witnesses, do, upon this sacred arc worthy to open the Book with the Seven Seals. Approach and book, most solemnly and sincerely swear that ii never will reveal open the First Seal. the secrets of this degree, or the mode of my admission, to any All the properties should be concealed behind the altar from the sight of the candidate. The candidate opens the First Seal, the V. M. takes from person in the world to whom the same may not lawfully belong, behind the altar a bow and quiver of arrows, and a coronet, and giving them and only when I am authorized to communicate them. to hini says: I furthermore promise and swear that I will be ready to expose, Depart and continue the conquest. And I saw, and lo! a and, if necessary, to yield up my life, in the cause of friendship, white horse; and he that sat upon him held a bow; and a crown my country, or of common humanity. was given to him, and he went forth conquering and to conquer. I furthermore promise and swear that I will never fight or corn- Open now the Second Seal. 182 SEVENTEENTH DEGREE SEVENTEENTH DEGREE 183 The candidate opens the Second Seal. The V. M. gives a naked sword to the earth; and the heaven vanishes as a scroll is rolled together; another Brother, and says: and the mountains and islands arc moved out of their places; and Go forth and create strife and dissension among the profane and earth-rulers—the great, the rich, the captains of armies, the power- wicked, that they destroy each other; for there went out another ful, the bondmen, and the free—hide themselves in the caves and horse that was red, and it was given to him that sat thereon to take refuge among the rocks, upon the mountains, and call upon banish peace from the earth, and that the wicked should slay one them, crying, Fall upon us, and hide us from the face of HIM that another; and there was given unto him a great sword. Open now sitteth on the throne, and from the anger of God! the Third Seal. The V. M. then, with a liquid the color of blood, marks a Tau cross upon the The candidate opens the Third Seal. All the brethren say: forehead of the candidate, saying: Come and see. Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, until we have placed the seal of God upon their foreheads. The V. M. gives to another Brother a pair of balances, saying: Ohant by all the brethren. Go thou, and administer justice and equity, and see that the poor be no longer oppressed with false weights and false meas- Glory to thee, 0 God. ures, and that their wages be punctually paid them, that they may We praise thee, we adore thy holy name. no longer starve. Open the Fourth Seal. The brethren all kneel, bowing their heads to the floor, sayIng: The Oandidate opens the Fourth Seal. The V. Iv!. gives to another Brother Amen! Glory be to thee, our God, forever and forever. a human skull, saying: V. M.—Amcn! Go, then, and teach mankind that the soul that sins shall die. He then takes from the candidate his girdle and haircioth, and puts upon For lo! a pale horse, and his name that sits on him is Death— - him a white robe, saying: The curtains behind the throne are drawn aside, and discovers a tableau And one of the elders said unto me, Who arc these arrayed in of ‘‘Death on the Pale Horse,’’ which may be done with an illuminated white robes? And I said, Thou k-nowest these arc they that shall transparency. hunger no more; neither shall they thirst; and God shall wipe away and power is given him to slay with the sword, and with starvation, all tears from their eyes. Open now the Seventh Seal. and with sickness, and with the beasts of the earth. Open now the The candidate opens the Seventh Seal; there must be perfect silence in Fifth Seal. the Lodge for a space of five minutes. The V. M. gives to the J. D. a gilded The candidate opens the Fifth Seal. The V. M. gives to the Brother a white censer and incense, which he lights and places upon the altar. After it has burned, the V. M. takes it and throws the contents on a place prepared to linen cl&~th, stained with blood, saying: receive them. Go, then, and accuse those who have persecuted and slain them V. M.—The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of who have come upon the earth to reform and be the benefactors of our Lord and of Christ His anointed, and he shall reigu forever mankind. For under the altar arc the souls of those who have been and forever. slain because they taught God’s truth; and white robes are given PRAYER unto them, and they are told to be pati&iht. Open now the Sixth Seal. We give thee thanks, 0 Lord God omnipotent who art eternal, The candidate opens the Sixth Seal. The lights of the Lodge all darkened. and to whom the past, the present, and the future arc one—because The moon becomes the color of blood. thou wilt, in due time, assert thy power and vindicate thy justice, thy wisdom, and thy goodness, when evil shall reign no more. V. M.—Lo! a great earthquake; the sun is eclipsed, and the Amen. moon becomes the color of blood; and the stars of heaven fall to 184 SEVENTEENTH DEGREE SEVENTEENTH DEGREE 185 The V. M. and candidate open the book, place upon it the square and com- V. M.—Faithful brethren, that havc long waited for the light, pass, and descend fiom the platform, halting at the V. M.’s seat. The V. M. the Sun is about to rise upon the waters of the Dead Sea. Aid mc invests the candidate with jewel, collar, apron, and sword of the degree, saying: to close this Preceptory. Together, my brethren! I invest you with the apron of this degree; its color is emblematical of the dawn, its shape of the Deity and of justice, the Tet- All give the sign. Then the V.M. .~.., SW. .~, J.W. H~, V.M. ~. The brethren with their hands ++++++ +, and cry Hoschea. ractys upon it, of the universe with the Deity in its center. I invest you with the order of this degree; its two colors, white and black, V. M.—This Preceptory is closed, Brother Junior Deacon, in- arc emblematical of the contest between good and evil. I invest you form the Guard. with the jewel of this degree; its heptagonal shape will be explained hereafter, as also will the devices upon it; its material, gold and silver, symbolize the sun and the moon, the great lights of day and night—themselves emblems of strength and beauty, the two pillars at the threshold of Masonry. Receive now the signs, tokens, and words of this degree. , , 0 I finally p resent you with this coronet, in token of your present rank in Masonry. Remember that it, like the other insignia of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, is honorable only so long as it is woru with honor. On the brow of the dishonest, the dissipated, the vicious, or the base, honors undeserved are the extremest disgrace. See, therefore, that you wear it worthily and well. CLOSING V. M.—Brothcr Junior Warden, what is the hour? J. W.—Vencrable Master, the dawn is bright in the East, and the Sun is about to rise. V. M.—Thc Dawn of Hope and the Sun of Righteousness! My brethren, we may rest from our labors. Brother Expert, are any of our poor brethren unrelieved? Ex.~SNone, Venerable Master. V. M.—Brothcr Lecturer, doth any offense of a Brother remain unreproved, that hath been made known? Lec.—Nonc, Venerable Master. V. M.—What, then, my brethren, remains to be done? J. W.—To be patient. S. W.—To watch. J. W.—To meditate. S. W.—To pray. V. M.—Let us pray, then, my brethren, in silence.

They kneel—short pause. V. M. ~ All r[se. EIGHTEENTH DEGREE 187

the other; his characteristic is Beautig. These jewels are used in addition to the Grand Jewel, which is worn by all the Knights. Apron :—Of white leather or satin bordered with black, as is also the EIGHTEENTH DEGREE—KNIGHTS OF THE flap; there are three black rosettes arranged in triangular form around ROSE CROIX the apron. On the area is a representation of a globe with a serpent entwined around it, and on the flap a death’s head and crossbones, either painted or embroidered. TITLE or THE ORDER Grand Jewel :—Is an open compass, its points resting on a quarter circle; between the l~gs of the compass is a cross, reaching from the This Order, which is the ultimatum of Masonry, has different head of the compass down to the quarter circle; on the cross is an titles. It is called Rose Croix, from the rose on the cross of the opened rose; ~atthe foot of the cross, on one side is an eagle with wings jewel, being emblematical of the Son of God, who is compared to extended against the points of the compass, head downwards—on the obverse side is a pelican, tearing its sides to feed with blood its young, a rose by the evangelists and the prophets. Knight of the Eagle, five or seven in number in a nest under it; on the head of the compass because of the eagle represented on the jewel. Knighi of the Pelican, on each side of it is an unique crown with seven points; on the quarter emblematical of the Son of God, who shed his blood for the great circle, on one side is engraved the hieroglyphical characteristic of the family of mankind. Knight, and on the other side the cabalistic letters of the degree. The compass and arc of the circle of the Jewel should be composed of The canopy in the East is black, bordered with white fringe; on the gold, and the eagle and pelican of silver. This Jewel should be worn sus- platform below it is the irregular throne of the Chapter, surmounted by pended to a black watered Collar, three inches wide, bordered with crim- three crosses, the center one most prominent, with a full-blown white rose son; there should be three crimson ribbon crosses on it, one on each side upon it; on either side thereof is a candlestick with a yellow wax candle and one at the point above the crimson rosette at the bottom. lighted. Both throne and crosses are to be hidden by two black curtains The labors are supposed never to close, and when a Chapter is about coming together before them, and which are to open at the appointed to work it is said the labors are resumed. time. The labors begin when the Word is lost, and are suspended when the The Most Wise Master has before him a small low table covered with Word is recovered. black, and on it, lighted, one xvax candle, a Book of the Testimony, a Banner:—Squsre, of white silk with gold fringe, upon which is repre- compass and square and triple triangle, also the regalia for the candidate. sented the obverse and reverse of the jewel on each side of the banner By the table a low black seat or ottoman. The furniture and properties - respectively; on the one side the motto “Lux ex Tenebris,” and on the are in disorder. An ewer, with watev and napkins should be placed in the other “Faith, Hope, Chantp.” South. Battery :—++++++ + OFFICERS AND THEIR JEWELS TO RESUME LABOR Most Wise and Perfect Master, Most Excellent and Perfect Knight Senior Warden. Most Excellent and Perfect Knight Junior Warden. 2W. W.—Most Excellent and Perfect Knights, Senior and Junior Most Perfect Knight Orator. Wardens~ please invite the Knights on your respective valleys to Most Perfect Master of Ceremonies. assist me in calling this Chapter to labor. Most Perfect Knight Secretary. S. W.—Perfect Knights on my valley, the Most Wise invites Most Perfect Knight Treasurer. Most Perfect Knight Tyler. you to assist him in calling this Chapter to labor. All brethren are addressed as Respectable and Perfect Knights. J. W.—Perfect Knights on my valley, the Most Wise invites The Most Wise wears on his breast a flaming star with seven points you to assist him in calling this Chapter to labor. of silver, in the center the letter I in gold, around it the initials F. H. C.; S. W.—Most Wise, your orders are obeyed. his characteristic is Wisdom. The Senior Warden wears a triangle; his characteristic is Strength. I~d.W.++++++ +. The Junior Warden wears a square and compass, the one fastened on S.W. ++++++ +. J.W. ++++++ +. 1186] EIGHTEENTH DEUREE 189 188 EIGHTEENTH DEGREE 2W. W.—Most Excellent and Perfect Knight Senior Warden, S. W.—My brethren, let us assist the Most Wise in calling the what is your first care in a Chapter of Rose Croix? Chapter to labor ++++ + S. W.—It is to ascertain whether the Chapter is well tiled. J. W.—My brethren, let us assist the Most Wise in calling the 2W. W.—Ascertain that it is so, my Brother. Chapter to labor ++++++ + S. W.—Brother Guard of the Tower, please ascertain that the 2W. W.—Order, my brethren. Chapter is well tiled. All rise and place themselves under the sign of the Good Shepherd. The Guard of the Tower then opens the door to ascertain that the Tyler is 2W. W.—Give the sign of recognition. at his post, and the Temple secured from all outward curiosity. He then Give it. shuts the door, and says: - All—Give the answering sign. G. of the T.—Brother Senior Warden, the Chapter is well tiled. S. W.—Most Wise, the Chapter is well tiled. Give it. 2W. W.—What is your next care, my Brother? 2W. W.—To order, my brethren. S. W.—Jt is to ascertain whether all the brethren present are Knights of the Rose Croix. OFFICIAL DECLARATION 2W. W.—Most Excellent and Perfect Knights, Senior and Junior 2W. W.—Together, my brethren. Wardens, please convince yourselves in the North and South. All give the battery with their hands, and cry three times: “Hoschea.’’ Order my brethren. M.W. ~ 2W. W.—Be seated, my brethren. All rise and form two columns, one in the North and the other in the South, 2W. W.—B rother Master of Ceremonies, please ascertain whether face the East and places themselves imder the sign of the Good Shepherd; there are any visitors in the avenues. m the meantime, each Warden, on his respective valley, taps gently on the shoulder of each Knight successively, in answer to which each Knight turns The M. of C. retires and visits the avenues, then returns and reports; if around, gves the sign of recognition, the token, and password; when all the any, the appropriate ceremonies transpire. Knights have been thus examined, the Wardens return to their stations. RECEPTION J. W.—Respectable and Perfect Knight, Senior Warden, all on 2W. W.—Most Excellent and Perfect Knight Senior Warden, my valley are Knights of the Rose Croix. what is the cause of our assembling? S. W.—Most, Wise, all the members present are Knights of the S. W.—The propagation of our Order and the perfection of a Rose Croix. Knight of the East and West, who prays to be admitted to the 211. W.—+ Be seated, my brethren. Most Excellent and Per- degree of Knight of the Rose Croix. fect Knig~, Senior Warden, what’s the hour? 2W. W.—Let him be introduced. Brother Master of Ceremonies, S. W.—The hour when the veil of the Temple was rent, when prepare the novice, and bring him forth, fully clothed and in the darkness and consternation covered the earth, when the blazing usual manner, for presentation to us. star disappeared, when the lamp of day was darliened, when the columns and working tools of Masonry were shattered, and the Master of Ceremonies retires, prepares the novice in black, and apron of the cubic stone sweated blood and water—the hour when the Word was Seventeenth Degree. lost. My Brother, all is changed on the face of the earth. Consterna- 2W. W.—Since Masonry~ my brethren, has sustained so great an tion and dread are spread over it. The veil of the Temple is rent injury, let us try, by new works, to recover the Word which was asunder, the implements and pillars of Masonry are broken, the lost, and for that purpose, let us call the Chapter to labor. ~ cubic stone sweats blood and water, and the Word is lost. The Order is thrown into consternation and dread by the loss of the 190 EIGHTEENTH DEGREE EIGHTEENTH DEGREE 191 Word, which has occurred notwithstanding all our precaution. We the last day of the seventh year that the construction of the Temple are in ignorance of the means to make use of for its recovery. continued, let us unite and sanctify this day. - How, then, can we know each other? Will you assist, us m re- S. W.—The Temple is destroyed, the implements broken, and covering the same? Are you willing to aid us in our search? impious rites obscure the truth. The candidate replies. The l~daster of Ceremonies says: J. W.—The Shekinah is mute and invisible. 2W. W.—My dear Brother, you find us in solemn contemplation 2W. of 0.—Follow me. of dire calamity; all nature is paralyzed; darkness overspreads the He conducts him to the door of the Chapter, where he knocks as a Knight earth; truth is fallen; the earth quakes; her bowels are rent; and of Rose Croix. Guard of the Tower from within says: the veil of- the Temple is rent in twain from the top to the bottom. G. of the T.—Brother J. W., a Knight of the East and West At these last words the curtain is drawn aside by ~mseen hands. kno6ks at the gate of the tower. The blazing star is no more to be seen, the columns and corner- J. W. repeats it to the S. W., and he to the Most Wise. stone are broken and cast among the ruins; its implements are 2W. W.—Perfect Knight S. W., please ascertain who knocks. broken and destroyed; the cubic stone sweats blood and water; on the cross where truth was sacrificed the mystic rose droops S. W. repeats it to the J. W., and he to the Guard of the Tower. and the Word is lost. Our sheet anchor in this storm of adversity G. of the T. [Opens the door and says.]—Who are you, and is the Word, which will point us to the blazing star of truth. That what do you want? this beautiful object may ever abide with you, and form a shining 2W. of 0.—It is a Knight of the East and West who is wander- light in your mind, is the object of the ceremonies of this Chapter. ing in the woods and mountains, and who at the destruction of the Are you prepared to search for the Word and for Light? second Temple lost the Word, and humbly solicits your aid and If the candidate assents the Most Wise ~ ~, and says: assistance to recover it. G. of the T. [Sh’u,tsthe door and says.1—Brother J. W., it is 2W. W.—Most Perfect Knight Master of Ceremonies, teach this [repeating the answer.1 Brother the wisdom of our sublime institution. The Master of Ceremonies now causes the candidate to wash his hands and J. W. repeats the same to the S. W., and he to the Most Wise. face in pure water, and says: 2W. W.—What claim has he for the favor? My Brother, you will, for your instruction, listen to a lesson S. W.—By following us in the path which leads to perfection, from the Orator. and learning with us the three precepts on our columns. Ora.—”Jn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with 2W. W.~-Let him enter. God, and the Word was God. All lights are extinguished, except that on the table of the M. W. The Most “The same was in the beginning with God. Wise now seats himself, his elbow resting on the table, and all the brethren “All things were made by him; and without him was not any- seat themselves on the floor, the right leg over the left, the right elbow on the right knee, their heads down and resting on the right hand, their left hand on thing made that was made. the left knee, the brethren all having their jewels covered with crepe. The “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. candidate is conducted to the center of the room facing the East so that the “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness compre- pile of rnins may be directly before him, then the S. W. says: hended it not.”—JoHN i, 1-5. S. W.—Most Wise, we have the pleasure of introducing to you 2W. W.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, cause the candidate to a Knight of the East and West, who humbly solicits your aid and enter upon his travels to learn the beauties of instruction. assistance to recover the “Word.’’ The travels consist of seven journeys round. When the candidate passes 2W. W.—Respectable and Perfect Rnights, this is the last hour of before the altar he must kneel, and when passing in the West he bends his 192 EIGHTEENTH DEGREE EIGHTEENTH DEGREE 193 right knee. He is made to observe the columns, and repeat the name of each Ora.—Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to as he passes them. On the fourth journey, starting from the North, the i. W. II says: be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the Likeness of J. W.—O Lord, instruct us in what virtues we most need. men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and The Guard of the Tower says—’ ‘Faith,’’ became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Where- fore God bath’ highly exalted him, and given him a name which is 2W. of 0.—Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the 4 above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should evidence of things not seen. bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under By “Faith,” Abraham, when he was tried, offered up his only the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ begotten son. By “Faith” the children of Israel forsook Egypt, not fearing is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. the wrath of the king. On the sixth journey, in starting from the North, the i. W. says: By “Faith” they passed through the Red Sea, as by dry land, J. W.—What advantages do we derive from all our travels? which the Egyptians, essaying to do, were drowned. By “Faith’’ the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were com- The G. of the T. says—’ ‘Charity”; and the eleven lights on the column Charity are exhibited, when the Master of Ceremonies commences his journey, passed about seven days. and says: “Faith” subdueth kingdoms, worketh righteousness, obtaineth promises, stoppeth the mouth of lions. A!. of 0.—Though I speak with the tongue of men and angels, and have not Charity, I am become as a sounding brass and a This brings the Master of Ceremonies and candidate to the starting place tinkling cymbal. again. Start on the fifth journey from the North. Though I bestow all my goods to feed the~ poor, and give my body to be burned, and have not Charity, it profiteth me nothing. J. W.—My Brother, Faith is the first principle and pillar oI~ our Order. In the dangers and difficulties which press around us, Charity suffereth long and is kind; Charity envieth not; Charity who shall deliver us? vannteth not itself; is not puffed up; Charity never faileth. 4 The G. of the T. answers—’ ‘Hope’’; and the eleven lights on the column And now abideth Faith, Hope, and Charity—these three; but are exhibited. the greatest of these is Charity. 2W. of 0,—Blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord, and whose This brings the Master of Ceremonies and the candidate to the starting place again, when they halt. Hope the Lord is: for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see 2W. W.—Hear then the words of the New Law: “As my Father when h~at cometh, but her leaf shall be green, and shall not be hath loved me,” saith the Lord, “even so I have loved you. A careful in the year of drought. new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another.” The “Hope” of the righteous shall be gladness, but the expecta- This brings the candidate to the seventh and last journey, which is per. tion of the wicked shall perish. formed in silence. During that journey, while returning to the West, the The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous M. of C. says: hath hope in his death. 2W. of 0.—My Brother, your travels are accompLished; forget not This brings the M. of C. and the candidate to the starting place, when they the three virtues which you have learned to recognize in your halt, and I~4. of C. says: journey. You ‘will please give attention to a lesson from the Orator. S. W.—Most Wise, the journeys are accomplished. Who reads: M. W.—My Brother, what have you observed in your travels? I 194 EIGHTEENTH DEGREE EIGHTEENTH DEGREE 195 A!. of 0.—Three virtues, Faith, Hope, and Charity, to guide my Chapter for your final instruction without possession of the mystic future life. Are there any others? words. I will now communicate them to you. The words are 2W. W.—No, my Brother, you have no others to accomplish, for Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum, which being translated are: Jesus these are the principles and pillars of our mysteries. You will of Nazareth, King of the Jews. The initials only of these words are now approach the throne, and take an obligatiom to remain faithful required. They are I.N.RJ. Let us again alarm the door. to its principles. Brother Master of Ceremonies, conduct the candi- (2W. of 0. knocks 6 and 1.) date to the throne. G. of T.—[From within.]—Brother Junior Warden, there is an He is conducted to the sitar, kneels On both knees, his right hand on the alarm at the door. New Testament, then the J. W. [Repeats.] 2W. W.—[+++] S. W.—Most wise, there is an alarm at the door. 2W. W.—See who knocks, my Brother. All rise and form a circle around the candidate, and stand under the sign W.—Brother Guard of the Tower, see who knocks. of the Good Shepherd, when the candidate takes the following J. J. W. [Repeats it.] OBLIGATION G. of T. [Knocks 6 and 1; opens the wicket, and says]—Who knocks? I, , of my own free will and accord, and in presence of 2W. of 0.—A Knight Mason, who having passed through the this Sovereign Chapter of Sovereign Princes of Rose Croix, do most severe trials, hopes to procure of you the Word as the reward solemnly promise and swear on my word and honor, and on the of his ‘toils. faith of an honesi man, that I will never reveal the secrets of the ~G.of T. repeats to the i. W.; i. W. repeats to the S. W., who repeats it Knights of the Eagle and Sovereign Princes of Rose Croix to any to the M. W. Mason of an inferior degree, or to the profane, without the written permission of him whom I now acknowledge to be my Master, or 2W. W.—Brother Guard of the Tower, let him be introduced in that of a regularly constituted Chapter of the Ancient and Au- due and ancient form. thentic Rite of Heredom. G. of T. opens the door and says: That I will stand to and abide by the laws, statutes, and constitutions of this Chapter. G. of T.—Let the candidate be introduced in due and ancient And I do finally on my word of honor promise and engage to form. recognize and obey, as the only legal head of the Ancient and Ac- The candidate is then placed in front of the transparency representing cepted Scottish Rite, the Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand the ascension, the brethren forming a semi-circle, the M. W. and Orator in Ins pecto~s-General to which I owe allegiance. front pf the whole; the S. W. then says: And may the Author and Foundation of this, our mystery, S. W.—Most Wise, I present to you a Knight Mason who hopes keep me steadfast. Amen. to procure us the lost Word, and thus become a perfect Mason. He kisses the volume ~seventimes. 2W. W.—From whence come you, my Brother? Oan.—From Judea. A!. W.—Oonsummatum-est. Perfect Knight Master of Cere- 2W. W.—Through ‘what place have you passed? monies, conduct the candidate to the privacy of the ante-chamber Oan.—Nazareth. for further instructioti. 2W. W.—Who conducted you? The hi. of C. conducts the candidate to the preparation chamber and then Oan.—Raphael. instructs him as follows: 2W. W.—Of what tribe are you? A!. of 0.—My brother, you can not regain admittance to the Oan.—Of the tribe of Judah. 196 EIGHTEENTH DEGREE EIGHTEENTH DEGREE 197

2W. W.—Give me the initials of the four words you have pro- in a more vivid manner, will teach you how sacred and sublime is nounced. A 7 the degree into which you have just heen received. Can—I N R I (lesus Nazarenus Rex ludacorum). 2W. W.—Brothcr Master of Ceremonies, conduct the candidate to the throne, there to be constituted, and receive the words, signs, All rise under the sign of the Good Shepherd. and tokens of this degree. 2W. W.—Rcjoicc, rejoice, my brethren, the lost Word is found. M. ofC. conducts him to the altar, and causes him to kneel. The M. W. Brother Niaster of Ceremonies, bring this Brother to light as the leaves the throne with his sword in his left hand, and his gavel in his right, approaches the candidate, and says: reward of his toils, his zeal and his constancy. M. W.—By virtue of the powers conferred on mc, I do hereby, M. of C. then takes the veil off from the candidate. tinder the Rose, admit, receive and constitute you now and forever 2W. W.—Join me, my brethren. a Knight of the Eagle and Pelican. Perfect Mason of Heredom, All give the Rose Croix battery, and make the sign of the cross with the under the distinctive title of Sovereign Prince of Rose Croix, and right thumb upon the forehead, without touching it, and cry three times, a member of this Sovereign Chapter, and endow you with all the ‘‘Hoschea.’’ rights and privileges of perfect Masonry. 2W. M.—Brothicr Master of Ceremonies, you will conduct the M. W. strikes 6 and with his guvel, on his sword, over the head of the candidate to the East. candidate, after which he grasps his hand, and says: Candidate is conducted to the East. 2W. Wi—Sir Knight, I greet you. M. W.—Thc brethren will please to form a circle around the M. W. then returns to the throne, takes his seat, and says: ca~Aihidatc. M. W.—Bc seated, my brethren. M. of C. attends with a napkin, and boxes of cotton and oil, and i~ill present All are seated except the Master of Ceremonies and candidate. them as they may be required. 2W. W.—My Brother, the ceremony of consecration is of great 2W. W.—My Brother, in this degree, as in every other, ‘we have words, signs, and tokens. antiquity. M. W.—Brothcr Master of Ceremonies, you will please instruct He then anoints the candidate upon the back of his right hand and upon his the candidate in the words, signs and tokens of this degree. forehead, repeating as he does so, the following: The M. of C. does s M. W.—God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness. Let this bc~a memorial of your devotion to the noble work of the true TO CALL TO REFRESHJvIENT Knight of Rose Croix, strengthening you in hearing the banner of 2W. W. s—Most Excellent and Perfect Knight Senior Warden, the cross joyfully among men. what is the hour? M. W. suspends the crimson ribbon about his neck, saying: S. W.—Thc moment the Word was recovered, the blazing star reappeared in its glory, the true light regained all its splendor, and M. W.—This is the badge of the Knight of the Black Eagle, its darkness was dissipated. color being significant of the zeal and ardor which should inspire 2W. W.—Has any Knight anything to propose for the good of the honored possessors of the Word. From this ribbon and jewel the Order, or for this chapter, or himself in particular? you must never part, not even in death; it will instantly recall you to virtue, should you ever be so unfortunate as to fall from her S. W. repeats. path. The august mystery contained in the allegory of this jewel, Cause the box of fraternal assistance to be passed. which you already know, and which will soon be developed to you Most Perfect Knights Wardens, announce on your respective 198 EIGHTEENTH DEGREE EIGHTEENTH DEGREE 199 valleys that the engraved columns will now be read, and let all S. W. and i. W. repeat. lend an attentive ear. M. W. ~j-~j- All rise under the sign of the Good Shepherd. The Master S. W. repeats. J. W. repeats. gives the sign of Recognition. All answer. 2W. W.—Perfect Knights Senior and Junior Warden, please in- Most Excellent and Perfect Knights Senior and Junior Wardens, form the Knights on your respective valleys that this Chapter is announce upon your respective columns that this Chapter is about about to be closed. to be called to refreshment. S. W. and i. W. repeat. S. W.—Perfect Knights of the valley of the South, you are about to be called, etc. 2W. W.—Brethren, before parting we will renew our obligations to maintain secrecy regarding all which has transpired here. i. W. repeats to the knights in his valley. M. W. ..f~.f..f.. All rise and face the East, in two columns, under sign of G. S. ~~-.f”f. .f.. “Hosanna.’’ All ~tretchforth the right hand and say—’‘We promise and swear under the rose.” TO CLOSE 2W. W.—Together, brethren. M. W. ~.nj. .j.. S. W. and i. W. repeat. ++++++ + and cry three times: “Hoschea!’ 2W. W.—Respectable and Perfect Knight Senior Warden, what OFFICIAL DECLARATION is the hour? S. W.—It is the hour when the Word was recovered; when the cubic stone was changed into a mystic rose; when the blazing star reappeared in all its splendor; when the worldng tools of Masonry resumed their ordinary form; when the true light dispelled dark- NOTE ness, and the new dispensation was manifested to the world. FOR CEREMONIES INSTALLING THE OFFICERS OF 2W. W.—Perfect Knights Senior and Junior Warden, please in- THE CHAPTER OF THE ROSE CROIX, THE CEREMONIES form the Knights on your respective valleys that I invite them to FOR INSTALLING THE OFFICERS OF THE LODGE OF speak, if they have anything to offer for the good of the Order in PERFECTION WILL BE USED WITH APPROPRIATE general, or of this Chapter in particular. ADAPTATION. S. W.—Knights of my valley, the M. W. invites you, etc. i. W. repeats. The knights may offer what they think proper. If no busi• ness is done, the a J. W>-Brother Senior Warden, silence prevails in my valley. S. W.—Most Wise, silence prevails. 2W. W.—Respectable and Perfect Knights Senior and Junior Warden, inform the knights on your respective valleys that the box of Fraternal assistance is about to be presented to them. S. W. and i. W. repeat. M. of C. passes the box, commencing with the M. W.; then the Wardens; then the other officers; and fbsally the members; and hands the contents to the Secretary, after which the 2W. W.—Respectable and Perfect Knights Senior and Junior Warden, please inform the Knights on your respective valleys that this Chapter is now about to be closed. MAUNDY THURSDAY AND EASTER SUNDKY 201 MAUNDY THURSDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY ADDRESS SERVICES From time immemorial, man has plighted his faith and confidence in his fellow man by drinking from the same cup and eat- ROSE Cxoxx KNIGHTS ing from the same loaf. / Among Eastern nations at the present day this method of CEREMONY OF THE TABLE solemnizing a pledge has been retained. We learn from history, and our fathers, of the Masonic faith, that in the ancient mysteries This ceremony should take place at initiations and in connection with Maundy Thursday and Easter observances. of Judea and Egypt, the newly initiated were presented with bread and wine as a symbol of the new life they were about entering Most Wise—To the glory of the Grand Architect of the Uni- verse, in the name and under the auspices of the United Supreme upon, and thaI they were henceforth to be devoted to the laws of truth, and knowledge of their rights and duties. Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors-General to whom this -! This feast, and the bread and wine of which we partake, are to chapter owes allegiance, and by virtue of the powers in me vested, I call this Chapter from labor to refreshment. us symbols of fraternity and brotherly affection, and of that perfect union that must ever subsist among Brother Knights of the All make sign of ~lood Shepherd. Rose Croix. /1 This Chapter is now called to refreshment. Before we part, V Thus, Brother Knights, are we assembled, solemnly and frater- let us eat together the bread earned by our labors, and thank our nally pledging ourselves one to another in brotherly love, in the Heavenly Father for furnishing us with the means for sustaining presence of the an~e1s and of that great Intelligence that surrounds Life. Brother Master of Ceremonies, visit the avenues, and see if us in our every action. there be any Brother, or even any of the profane, who suffers from Niost Wise breaks the bread, takes a piece and eats, and, passing the 7 hunger or thirst. If there be, bring him in; for whoever he may plate, says: be, he is our Brother, and we will freely divide with him our bread Take, and eat, and give to the hungry. and wine. Music soft. Then taking the goblet, drinks, and passes it, saying: Master of Ceremonies retires, returns, and reports. In silence and order the knights follow the M. W. and form a circle about the table—the M. W. Take, and drink, and give to the thirsty. facing the West, with Wardens opposite. The table is covered with a white cloth, in the center, a plate of white bread, surrounded by three burning tapers TO CLOSE &f yellow wax; near the plate a goblet of white wine and a triangular piece of paper, having written on it the initials “i. H. Y.H.”; a pan of burning coals To order, my brethren. is near. ~,.,-. All make sign of Good Shepherd. Brothers and Knights, let us assemble around the altar of frater- My brethren, we may now retire; but first, I must require your nal love, joyfully strengthening the tie which binds our hearts to- oaths not to reveal any of this day’s proceedings. gether. Presents hilt of sword to orator, who, taking the handle, says: “I swear’’; In silence and order, the Knights follow the M. W. to table. in succession passing, they all do likewise; and then, as they retire in silence, the Most Wise says:— ‘‘E—L.” INVOCATION Sovereign Creator of all things, and source of life and light, CEREMONY OF EXTINGUISHING THE LIGHTS ON who provides for all our necessities, bless the nourishment for the THURSDAY BEFORE EASTER body we are about to take, and make it to give us strength to labor This ceremony takes place on Thursday before Easter, after the table for Thy glory and the advancement of all the great interests of ceremony, and begins the moment the Word is returned to the Most Wise, humanity. Amen! when afl have resumed their positions. [200 1 202 MAUNDY THURSDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY MAUNDY THURSDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY 203 K) At the West end of the table is a candelabra with seven branches of unequal Most Wise—My brethren, we have met this day for the purpose size, so as to form a triangle, the middle branch forming the top of the of commemorating the death of our Lord and Master. Today is triangLe. In each a -wax candle must be burning, all being around the table, and at a sign from the Most Wise— the anniversary of the last supper of which He partook with His disciples. On that occasion He instituted a memorial of His broken Master of Ceremonies goes to the candelabra and says: body and shed blood, and was thereafter betrayed by Judas the Master of Ceremonies—Our Lord came to save the human race, traitor. Let us remember the sad transaction, one and all. but they knew Him not and put Him to death. He then puts out the lowest light on the left, and returns to his station. Closes as in the table ceremony. Treasurer goes to the candelabra, and says: CEREMONY OF RE-LIGHTING ON EASTER SUNDAY Treasurer—Our Lord willed that all should be brethren, but MORNING ‘3 ~they knew Him not and put Him to death. //

He then puts out the lowest light on the right, and returns to his station. This ceremony takes place immediately after the Ceremony of the Table. Secretary goes to the candelabra, and says: As in the Ceremony of Extingui~hing the Lights, it begins as soon as the Lord’s sublime doctrine was intended for man’s ‘‘Word’’ has been returned to the Most Wise. Each Knight is then at his Secretary—Our post, and the music has stopped. happiness, but they knew Him not and put Him to death. The tabLe is arranged as in the Ceremony of Extinguishing the Lights; He then puts out the next Light on his left, and returns to his station. the yellow wax candelabra have remained unlighted since the previous Thursday. Orator goes to the candelabra, and The Knights being round the table, at a signal from the Most Wise, the says: officers discharge their several duties, as follows: Orator—Our Lord’s object was to teach the truth, to promul~ Most Wise—Officers, to your duties. gate love, but they knew Him not and put Him to death. Officers all arise. He then puts out the next light on the right, and returns to his position. Junior Warden goes to the Candelabra, and says: ~‘ \ Guard—The doctrine of Him who died for the regeneration of humanity, has become the living son of truth. • , / ~-, Junior Warden—Our Lord proclaimed that; men should do unto their brethren as they would be done by, but they understood Him Lights candle. Remains standing. not and put Him to death. Master of Ceremonies—The doctrine that the love of God for his children is infinite, and that true religion is to love our brother, He then puts out the next light on the left, and returns to his station. Senior Warden goes to the candelabra, and says: rises, like the blessed sun, triumphantly from the darkness. ~ ~ Senior Warden—Our Lord came from Heaven to do the will of / -Lights candle. Remains ~tanding. ~ I his Fath~ in Heaven; to preach glad tidings to the meek; to give A .;~ P llospitater—The doctrine of Him who lost his life for having sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf, but they listened not to proclaimed that all men, children of a common father, were Him and nailed Him to the cross. brethren, shines upon us from the awful light of the past. He then puts out the next light, and returns to his station. Most Wise Lights candle. Remains standing. goes tQ the ~andelabra,and says: Treasurer—The doctrine of Him who suffered an ignominious ;~ lI)’~ ? ~J\$ ~4/I Most Wise—Yes, my brethren, our Lord was despised and re- I.- death for endeavoring to substitute truth for error, love for hatre~l / jected of men, a man of sorrows and acq~sainted with grief. There and persecution, has gone round the world, and prevails- against was no guile in His mouth. He was wounded for our transgres- igmirance and superstition. sions and bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace - Junior Lights candle. Remains standing. was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Warden-The doctrine of Him who said “do unto others He then puts out the light, and says: that, which you would that others should do unto you; Suffer little MAUNDY THURSDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY 205 204 MAUNDY THURSDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY ‘I- children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the If ye then be risen with Christ, seek, those things which are Kingdom of Heaven; Love God with all thy might and heart and above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your af. soul, and thy neighbor as thyself and thou shalt live,” has become fection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are the light and life of all intelligent minds of every creed. dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in Glory. Lights candle. Remains standing. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornica- ~- i~ Senior Warden—The doctrine of Him who gave up His life for tion; uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and L/’ His friends to insure forever the liberty of the oppressed, the rights covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things’ sake the wrath of of the weak, and the overthrow of tyranny over mind and body, has God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also become the supreme law of regenerated humanity. walked some time, when ye lived in them. Lights candle. Remains standing. - / CONFESSION—ALL Most Wise—’ ‘He is not here, for He is risen.” Liberty, Equality Li and Fraternity, baptized in the blood of Him who died on Calvary, Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed henceforth march steadily onward toward certain and complete from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the de-. victory over Ignorance, Fanaticism and Despotic Power. vices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy C holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to The ignoble cross, on which was nailed the friend of the wretched -have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to and destitute itself, often desecrated by being made the ensign of have done; and there is no health in us. But thou, 0 Lord, have superstition, rapine and persecution, shall henceforth be for us the mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, 0 God, who symbol of regeneration. confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent—accord- Man shall at last stand erect and disenthralled, and under that ing to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our symbol the legions of freedom shall march forth to victory. Lord. And grant, 0 merciful Father, for his sake, that we may Thanks, love and gratitude to our father for the word and the hereafter live a godly, righteous and sober life, to the glory of thy new law. Holy Name. AMEN. Truth reappears, and love and liberty illuminate philosophy. MUSIC Lights the candle. The world of life and regeneration is recovered, and th.e law of ~flIST LESSON love lives. ~Y The Lord is my shepherd: therefore can I lack nothing. MUSIC He shall feed me in a green pasture; and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. INvOCATION Li, He shall convert my soul: and bring me forth in the paths of Almighty God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus righteousness for his Name‘s sake. / Christ hast overcome death, and oPen~d unto us the gate of ever- Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, lasting life; we humbly beseech thee that, as by thy special grace I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff /~ preventing {]s thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy c’omfort me. continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through Jesus Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me; thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy But thy loving hindness Ghost ever, one God, world without end, AMEN. and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. SCRIPTURE READING 206 MAUNDY THURSDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY

SECOND LESSON The earth is the Lord ‘s, and all that therein is: the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas; and prepared it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord: or who shall rise up in his holy place? Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart: and that hath BOOK OF THE -~ £d not lift his mind unto vanity, nor sworn to deceive his neighbors. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord: and righteousness from the God of his salvation. SCOTTISH RITE This is the generation of them that seek him: even of them that seek thy face, 0 Jacob. Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates and be ye lifted up, ye ever- ) FOURTH SERIES lasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. TRADITIONAL AND CHIVALRIC DEGREES Who is this King of Glory: It is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle. I Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors: and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory: Even the Lord of hosts, he is the 19 0 ~32o King of Glory. APOSTLES’ CREED I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was con-

. ceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under C/~ i)(-.f Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into Hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thenee he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Catholic Church; The - Conununion of Saints; the Forgiveness of sin; The Resurrection of the Body; And the life everlasting. AMEN.

SERMON

BENEDICTION BREAKFAST

The End 1 207 NINETEENTH DEGREE—GRAND PONTIFFS

DIAGRAM OF GRAND PONTIFFS

‘I

ARGUMENT In entering upon a new series or division of the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, conferred in a Consistory, we are still in pursuit of good, and laboring for the destruction of evil—fol- 1’~ lowing the same laws as those laid down in the two preceding degrees, and taking another bold step toward the purification of our I own souls, and sowing, for others to reap fruits of eternal happiness. This degree is founded upon certain apocalyptic mysteries relating to the New Jerusalem; it rests upon the three characteristic [209] 210 NINETEENTH DEGREE NIN~TEE&TH DEGREE 211 virtues taught in the Eighteenth Degree, and proclaims the Alpha OPENING and Omega. T.P.—[+++ ~H-+ +++ +++.]—Brothers Grand Pontiffs, I am about to open a Chapter of Grand Pontiffs. Brother APARTMENTS Junior Deacon, are we properly guarded? The apartments are two, besides the Preparation-room. iT. D.—[Ascertains.]—Thrice Potent, we are securely guarded. T. P.—How are we guarded? THE FIRST APARTMENT J. D.—By a Brother Grand Pontiff without, armed and vigilant. Is styled the Chapter-room, and is hung with blue hangings, sprinkled T. P.—[+ ]—Brother Warden, what is the hour? with stars of gold; it is lighted from the East by the triple interlaced triangle, with the sun in the center, in full blaze. W.—The hour foretold to all nations. Truth has arisen; the Behind the curtain that conceals the platform in the East should be struggle between good and evil continues, the cubic stone has be- a fine representation, by painting, of the New Jerusalem—a square city, come the mystic rose, and the lost Word has been found. suspended in the clouds, and represented as descending from the heavens ft. P.—Faithful Brother, what is that word? to the earth by slowly unrolling or lowering the painting. The city is W.—It is Alpha and Omega—the first and the last. represented surrounded by a halo; it has twelve gates of pearl—three on T. P.—Then, let us all repeat the pass-word. each s[de—and at each gate an angel, with a name written on his crown, which are the names of the twelve tr[bes of the children of Israel. Omnes.—E Through the city flows a river, on either side of which is a flourishing tree, 2’. P.—To order, my brethren! bearing twelve fruits, answering to the twelve precious stones in the Grand Pontiff’s breastplate. OFFICIAL DECLARATION Under this movable painting is a representation of the city of Jeru- salem in ruins, and in it a serpent, with three heads, in chains, as if about RECEPTION to be crushed by the descending celestial city. The Chapter-room is hung in black, and the aliars are draped; the candr An empty layer is stationed in the center of the Chapter-room. date is decorated as a Knight Rose t and received by tlie M. of C., who conducts him to the door of the Chapter; +++ ~ +++ +++. The TaB SECOND APARTMENT curtain in the East is closed; all the brethren are robed in Nack; the sun is Is a p[ain dark room, with a portion divided off by a dropped curtain; turned to blood. in the room a single chair. J. D.—Who approaches this Chapter? OFFICERS AND THEIR DECORATIONS M. of 0.—A Knight Rose Croix, who desires to attain the degree Thrice Potent (wearing a breastplate with twelve precious stones). of Grand Pontiff. Warden. J. D.—How long has he served? Orator. M. of O.—Probational[y, three years. Senitir Deacon. J. D .—Where ‘I Junior Deacon. M. of 0.—In the ranks of Truth. Master of Ceremonies. Captain of the Guard. J. D.—How is he armed? All the officers and Grand Pontiffs wear long white robes, as also a M. of 0.—With Faith, Hope, and Charity. fillet oF sky-blue satin round the forehead, having twelve stars embroid- J. D.—Let him abide, until his request has the sanction of the ered thereon. Thrice Potent. Order:—A broad crimson sash, edged with white, with twelvestars on the front of the same, and worn from the left shoulder to the right hip. S.D. reports to W. W. reports to T. P. Jewel :—A golden parallelogram, with the Greek Alpha on one side I,; and the Omega on the other. fT. P.—Since the request is so commendable, let him enter. IL The Grand Pontiffs style each other “Faithful” or “True Brothers.” W. repeats to 3, D. 3. lIt opens the door and repeats the same to lvii. of C Battery:—+++ +++ +++ +++ Iv!. of 0. and candidate enter, and are stationed in the West. 212 NINETEENTH DEOREE NINETEENTH DEGREE 213 Let our Brother, who still seeks for knowledge, travel four T. P.—And the rivers and fountains became blood, for the Lord periods of time; and let the Faithful Brothers cheer him on his way with words of comfort and consolation. adjudged them that shed the blood of saints and prophets, and gave them blood to drink. Pour out the fourth vial. Tlie candidate is then placed in the West. The fourth Brotlier does as directed. T. P.—The Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trQmp of God. W.—Superstition shall pervade society, and every hamlet shall W.—The day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night; and be its abiding place. when you say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh T. P.—And power was given the sun to scorch men with fire, upon you, and you shall not escape. and men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name 0 —But you, Brothers, are not in darkness, that day should of God which hath power over those plagues; and they repented overtake you as a thief. not, to give him glory. Let the fifth vial be poured out. I T. P.—Ye are all the children of light and the children of day; The fifth Brother does so. we are not of the night or of darkness. W.—Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch, W.—A11 industry shall cease, and indolence and fol[y shall and be sober. se]ze upon every creature. 0.—See thaL none render evil for evil unto any man, but ever T. P.—And the kingdom of the beast was full of darkness, and follow that which is good unto every man. all gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God oC Heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented no~ The candidate is then conducted to the Chapter-room and placed again in the West; Seven Brethren, standing in a Hne immediately behind him, holding of their deeds. Pour out the sixth vial. seven vials of differen~-co1ored liquids. The sixth Brother does so. T. P.—Go your way, and pout~ out the Iirst vial of wrath upon the earth. W.—Ingratitude shall enthrone the breast of man, and he shal[ curse God. The first Brotlier passes to the front, and pours out liis via] in the salver, T. P.—And I saw three unclean spirits come out of the mouth and returns; a dufl, heavy sound is heard in the East, and a flash, which ako occurs on the pouring out of each vial. of the dragon, and out of Lhe mouth of ~hebeast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet: for they are the spirits of devils work- W.—Justice shall not be known to the Patriarchs, and strife ing miracles. Pour out now the seventh vial. shall never cease. T. P.—And Lhere fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men The seventh Brother does so. which4tad the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped W.—Intempe~ance shall be the bane of all creatures, both man his image. Pour out the second vial. and beast, and they shall become loathsome. The second Brother does as ~hefirst, and returns. T. P.—And there came a great voice out of the temple of Heaven, from the throne, saying, “lIt is done.” W.—Intolerance and bigotry shall weigh down the soul and corrupt the body. Voices, thunder and liglitning, in the East. T. P.—And the sea became as the blood of a dead man, and And there was a great earthquake, such as was not seen since every living soul died in the sea. Pour out ~hethird vial. men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great. The third Brother does as directed. The seven great hydra-headed evils of the world Injustice, In- tolerance, Ignorance, Superstition, Indolence, Ingratitude, Intem- W.—Ignorance shall creep over the world as the locust upon perance, which have been poured out of the vials of wrath, and the harvest field. I which are scattered broadcast, must be combated and successfully ~7 I I 214 NINETEENTH DEGREE NINETEENTH DEGREE - 215 overcome by man; and we, as Pontiffs, are the sworn enemies of Seven Breth.—Hear our prayer. those evils. All our energies must be summoned, and by the aid ft. P.—And now, unto the Great Jehovah be all praise, and of the all-powerful Intelligence, we must again drive into the pit honor, and glory; and may we all say, Amen. of darkness the foul fiends that blight this else happy ?arth. Seven Breth.—Amen. The curtain in the East is drawn aside, and the slain body of a man is The curtain in the East is closed; T. P. +; all rise. discovered on the broken eminence in the center of the platform, with a bow and arrow, unbalanced scales, an hourglass, bloody dagger, over-turned wine ft. P.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, conduct the candidate to cup, etc. The T. P. and seven Brethren advance to the front of the East and the Preparation-room, that we may prepare for the second section kneel, encircling the East—the T. P. in their front the candidate kneels at the altar in the West. of the degree. PRAYER The M. of C. and candidate retire; the Chapter is now arranged with the blue hangings and stars of gold; the sun is changed to its hright appearance, ft. P.—O thou eternal, and most merciful Being, who alone canst and the curtain in the East is drawn aside, displaying a large gold cross with aid thy servants in their mighty task of battling against the evils a white rose upon it, placed on a prominence on the platform; the Pontiff~ are dressed in their long white robes—fillets o! blue on their heads—and crimson of this world, in expelling ignorance and intolerance—hear our sashes. A procession is formed, in double files, at the head of which is home prayer. a large globular mirror, as the representation of Truth, and equi-distant are Seven Breth.—Hear our prayer. the emblematic figures of Faith, Hope and Charity, iu crimson, blue, and white, respectively; or three brilliant transparencies of the three characteristic virtues, ft. P.—Thou who dost ever listen to the breathing, burning in the colors designated; two swinging censers and the small banner of the prayer of justice and of truth, guide thine erring children in the Order are also carried. The candidate enters and kneels in front of the altar. paths of righteousness, and teach them to shun all injustice and The procession then moves three times around the body of the Lodge. The procession halts, and forms double lines in front of the East, placiog superstition—oh, hear our prayer! the banner, mirror, three emblematic figures, and censers, appropriately ahout Seven Breth.—Hear our prayer. the cross on the platform. All kneel, facing the East. ft. P.—We humbly pray thee, that thou wilt also imbue our O Heavenly Father, Source of all intelligence and goodness, we hearts with the true light, that dark ingratitude, indolence, and appear before thee clothed in white garments, symbolic of the purity intemperance may find no shelter there; that the hallowed spirit of our Maker may hold dominion over our souls, while instructing of our hearts and of that beneficence and virtue we would crave others, that they may be in like manner imbued with the Holy from an all-merciful Providence—grant our prayer. All—Grant our prayer. Spirit, and may successfully struggle against the demons of dark- ft. P.—Give us faith that we shall see the New Jerusalem, that ness and perdition. Against all such, Father of! light and life, we may receive thy commendation for our works, and join in hear os,ir prayer. singing with the innumerable throng that surrounds thy throne, Seven Breth.—Hear our prayer. Holy! Holy! Holy! is the Lord God of Sabaoth! ft. P.—Heavenly Father, in the earnestness of our prayer, let now this awful embodiment of woe and the emblem of foul evils All—Grant our prayer. pass from us, for we know without prayer we can not drive from ft. P.—Give us hope for the salvation of the soul, and aid us in the struggle for the perfection of! our intelligence, and in the ad- our hearts those demons of the soul’s destruction. vancement of man toward a true understanding of thy will. Change, 0 Heavenly Father, change the spirit within us! teach All—Grant our prayer. us what is good! teach us thyself, and may we understand! let evil give place to good, and we now pledge our vows henceforth, as true 0.—] saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. and devoted Pontiffs, to devote ourselves, our hearts and hands, to the cause of truth and justice, as against all the evils of the world. Curtains drawn apart in the East, revealing the celestial city descending In this, our vow, hear our prayer. from the clouds.

iii 216 N[NETEENTH DEGREE NINETEENTH DEGREE 217 And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from Grand Council of the Thirty-third Degree, within whose jurisdic~ God, out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband; ii tion I may reside, so far as the same may come to my knowledge. and I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the taber- I do farther promise and swear that I will devote myself, my nacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they heart, and my hand, to the cause of Truth and Justice, to struggle shall be his people, and he shall be with them and be their God. against intolerance and fanaticism, ignorance, superstition, in- He shall wipe all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more dolence, ingratitude, and intemperance; and that I will in all things death; neither sorrow nor crying; neither shall there be any more ‘consider only what is right and just~for me to do, and not whether pain, for the former things are passed away. any benefit to myself will result therefrom. W.—Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, All of which I do most solemnly and sincerely promise and Write! for these things are true and faithful. And he said unto swear, binding myself under no less a penalty than that of being me, It is done; [am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end; hailed a false knight and faithless soldier by every honest man I will give unto him that is athirst, of the fountain of the water and true knight throughout the world, if I fail in this my voluntary oI~ life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I obligation. shall be his God, and he shall be my son. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in the due and punctual T. P.—And I saw no temple in the New Jerusalem, for the performance of the same. Amen. Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it; and the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it, for the Salutes the Holy Volume once. glory of God did lighten iL, and the Lamb is the light thereof; and T. P.—Melchizedek, King of Salem, and Priest of the Most High the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it, God, met Abram at the Valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale, and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor nnto it; as he was returning from the slaying of Lhe kings and the recovery and the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day, for there shall of his brother; and he gave him bread and wine, and he blessed be no night there, and there shall in no wise enter into it anything Abram, and said, “Blessed be Abram of the Most High God”; and that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh he offered him tithes of all. So do I, my Brother, give you my bless- a lie, but they which are written in the Lamb ‘s book of life. My ing, and raise my hands in like manner as Abram, craving from Brother, if you believe in these promises, go now to the altar, and heaven a tithe of God’s goodness. there assume the obligation of this degree. M. of C. gives T. P. the perfumed oil, who anoints candidate on the crown of the head, saying: OBLIGATION I anoint and sanctify you; be thou a Priest forever, after the ~ Both hands resting on four great lights and cross•swords. order of Melchizedek—virtuous, sincere, equitable, true, and temperate—minister of justice and priest of toleration. Be faithful I, , in the presence of the eternal and everliving God, do to God, thy duty, and thyself, and thus deserve the term of Sublime hereby and hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, Pontiff, or Scottish Mason, which you are hereafter entitled to wear. that I will never reveal the secrets of! this degree to any person in Rise and receive the the world, except to him towhom the same may lawfully belong, and then only when I am lawfully authorized and empowered so to do. I do further promise and swear that I will obey the laws, rules, V. P.V. and regulations of any Chapter of this degree, of which I may INVESTITURE become a member—the edicts, laws, and mandates of the Grand Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret of the State of This Robe of white linen with which I now invest you is em- and the constitution, statutes, and edicts of the Supreme blematical of that equity and purity which should characterize one ii

I 218 NINETEENTH DEGREE NINETEENTH DEGREE 219 whd is consecrated to the service of Truth, and reminds us also of tion—it was promised that the off-spring of the *oman should the vesture of the one hundred forty and four thousand who refused bruise the serpent’s head. Fulfill thou the prophecy. to wear the mark of! the beast on their foreheads; for it is sowritten. They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy; he that CLOSING overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life, but I will confess ft. P. ~—Orand Pontiffs, I am about to close this Chapter of his name before my Father and before his angels. Grand Pontiffs. Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Guard. .f.,-~ This Cordon of crimson, bordered with white, teaches you that Brother Warden, what is the hour?

the Ecal and ardor of a Knight and Pontiff ought to be set off by W.—Thrice Potent, the hour is accomplished. - the greatest purity of morals and perfect charity and beneficence; ft. P.—Faithful Brother, let us rejoice. What remains for us the twelve stars upon it and upon the fillet allude to the twelve to do? gates of the new city. W.—To work, wait, and be patient. This Fillet is the peculiar emblem of your Pontificate, and as the ft. P.—Work, then, my Brother Knights and Pontiffs, while slightest contact with earth will soil its spotless purity, remember it is day; behold the night cometh, when no man can work. Brother that so the least indiscretion will soil the exalted character you have Warden, for what do we wait? now voluntarily assumed. W.—For the light of noonday. Receive this Jewel, and let the letters upon it—the first and last ft. P.—Let us, then, close this Chapter, and be patient. Brother of the Greek and Hebrew Alphabets—remind you of Him who was Warden, inform the Knights and Pontiffs that I am about to close from the beginning, and ever shall be—the Alpha and Omega, the this Chapter. first and the last—on whose premises we rely with perfect con- W.—+++—Brother Knights and Pontiffs, the Thrice Potent fidence; in whose mercy and goodness we implicitly trust, and for is about to close this Chapter. the fulfillment of whose wise purposes we are content to wait. ft. P.—To order, my brethren. My Brother, but little may be said as to the representation you witnessed in the East. To us, as Masons, the city overturned and t in ruins represents the empire of Evil finally overwhelmed and OFFICIAL DECLARATION destroyed in the last conflict of the principles of light and darkness, which event mankind has, in all ages, expected, and the holy books of every ancient nation have foretold. The city descending from heaven is the new empire of Light and Truth, for which we wait and hope. The Tree of Life is emblematical of Truth—the basis of all the virtues represented by its fruits. The buildings of gold, and walls of precious stones, and gates of pearl, are symbols of that glory which shall invest and make magnificent the universe, when sickness, and pain, and guilt, and evil, shall disappear forever, and leave the world again a paradise. The river, to the dwellers in Eastern deserts, was the type of purity and plenty; the tree, with its leaves and flowers and fruits, of Nature, who bestows her bounties and her many blessings without waiting for men’s thanks. The serpent writhing in chains has to us a peculiar significa- TWENTIETH DEORRE 221 Junior Deacon (is stationed as in a Symbolic Lodge). Hospitaler (is stationed to the left of the Senior Warden). A lodge cannot be opened with less than nine members. The brethren are sometimes termed Grand Masters. Apron :—Yellow, bordered and lined with blue; in the center of the TWENTIETH DEGREE—GRAND MASTER OF ‘ALL SYM- area are three equilateral triangles, one within the other, with the initial BOLIC LODGES; OR, MASTER AD VITAM letters of the nine great lights in the comers, arranged as follows: At the apex of the outer triangle, the letter C; at the right-hand corner, below, ARGUMENT G; at the left-hand comer, V; at the apex of the middle triangle, H; and at the right and left-hand corners, P and H; at the apex of the inner That the right to govern in a Lodge is not only that acquired triangle, the letter T, and at the right and left-hand corners, T and J. by the formal selection of the suffrage of the brethren, and a sub- In the center of the inner triangle is the Tetragrammaton, and across it, from below upwards, the words “Ftat Lux.” sequent installation, but the power of Masonic intelligence attained Cordon :—A broad sash of yellow and blue, passing from the left by patient labor and the study of Masonic law, and of the true shoulder to the right hip. understanding and ability to teach the tenets, doctrines, and sym- Jewel:—Of gold; upon it the triangles, letters, and swords, as upon bolic legends of the Order. Exemplification is given in brief, but the area of the Apron. much important instruction of the true manner of conferring de- Battery :—+ ++ grees in the Ancient and Accepted Rite is impressed upon the candi- OPENING date, and he is charged, as a Master of all Symbolic Lodges, to G. M. +—Brethren, I am about to open this Grand Lodge; preserve Masonry in its primitive purity. clothe yourselves and repair to your respective stations. Brother Junior Deacon, see that we are duly guarded. J. D. [Ascertains.] —Venerable Grand Master, we are duly TIlE APARTMENT AND ITS DECORATIONS guarded. But one apartment is needed, and the assembly is styled a Lodge; the G. M.—Brother Senior Warden, ascertain if all present are hangings are blue and gold. In the East is a throne, ascended by nine Grand Masters. steps, and surmounted by a canopy. Over the East, lighting the Lodge, is a glory surrounding a triangle, in the center of which are the S. W. [Ascertains.]—Venerable Grand Master, all present have words “Fict Lux.” In the center of the room is a triangular altar, on the Word, and are Grand Masters. which rest a Bible, Square, Compass, Sword, and Mallet. The altar has G. M.—Brother Senior Warden, what are the appropriate jewels three columns about it, forming a triangle, on which are these words— of a Grand Master? on that in the East: “Truth”; on that in the West: “Justice”; on that S. W.—Those which compose the triangle in the center of the in the South: “Toleration.” The feugh and smooth ashlars and working tools of a Symbolic Lodge Lodge, and are placed upon the columns — ftruth, Justice, and are disposed about the apartment. The Lodge is lighted by nine lights ftoleration. of yellow wax, in a candlestick with nine branches, placed between the G. M.—My brethren, let the great lights of the Lodge be lighted. altar and the South; the lights are arrangedin three triangles, one within Each officer advances in turn and lights one of the candles in the great the other. candlestick, and then returns to his station, saying, as he lights the candle, OFFICERS, ETC. as follows: Venerable Grand Master (is stationed in the East). Hosp.—Let Veneration for the Deity burn in this Lodge as its Senior Warden (is stationed in the West). first great light. Junior Warden (is stationed in the South). Orator (is stationed in the North). J. D.—Let the light of Charity shine in this Lodge. Treasurer (is stationed as in a Symbolic Lodge). S. D.—Let the light of Generosity be lifted up in this Lodge. Secretary (is stationed as in a Symbolic Lodge). - Sec—Let the light of heroism blaEe like the day among us. Senior Deacon (is stationed as in a Symbolic Lodge). [220] 222 TWENT]ETH DEGREE TWENTIETH DEGREE 223 Treas.—-Let the light of Honor ever direct our footsteps. S.D.—I do. Orator—Let the light of Patriotism shine in our souls as in the J. D.—Tlien let him wait with patience until the will of the Lodge. Grand Master and the brethren is obtained. J. W.—Let the great light of Justice burn steadily upon our The J. D. reports to the S. W., the same questions being asked and like altars. answers returned as at the door, except the last remark of the J. D. The S. W. S. W.—Let the great light of Toleration dim the fires of perse- reports to the 0. M., the same questions being asked, and like answers returned. cution. G. M.—My brethren, is it your pleasure that this candidate shall G. M.—Let the great light of Truth illumine our souls, and com- be admitted? If so, give me the affirmative sign. ‘I plete the great triangle of perfection. Omnes—++ + —Fiat lux! Right hand above the head. G. M.—Together, my brethren. If any are of another opinion, give me the negative sign.

t t Stretch right hand to the front, palm open and outward, as if repelling a person—the votes being all affirmative. RECEPTION Let the candidate be admitted. The candidate wears the collar and jewel of a Grand Pontiff and the jewel of a Rose Croix Knight. The S. D. conducts the candidate to the door of the The candidate is introduced by the S. D. and placed in the center of the Lodge-room, and + ++, which is replied to by the J. D. The nine great triangle formed by the three columns, and in front of the altar. lights are extinguished. My Brother, you have often knelt before the altar of Masonry, J. D.—Who seeks admission here? and you now stand before it again, inclosed in the great triangle S. D.—A Grand Pontiff, who desires to be qualified to preside formed by the three great columns which support this Lodge. over all Symbolic Lodges of our Order, that he may still further Turn now, toward the South, and read the name upon the advance in Masonry. column. J. D.—Is it through mere idle curiosity, or for the sake of dis- Cand.—Toleration. tinction, that he prefers this request? J. W.—No man, my Brother, has the right to dictate to another S. D.—It is not. in matters of belief or faith; no man can claim that he is infallible, J. D.—Is he of that class of Masons, who, having obtained the and the only possessor of Truth. It is no merit in man to enter- degrees, repose thereafter in contented indolence, indifferent to tam that faith which his birthplace, his education, or habit, have the evils that demand to be redressed? imposed upon him, without examination and investigation into the S. D.—He is not. evidences on which it is based. When man persecutes for opinion’s J. D ~-Is he of that class of Masons who are content to utter I sake, he insults the attributes of Deity. Do you admit the truth sentiments of approval, but press on uthers the performance of of these principles? Masonic duty? Cand.—I do. S. D.—He is not. G. Al—Turn now toward the West, and read the name upon the J. D.—Es he of that class of Masons who spare their own purse, column. and are ready to draw liberal contributions on those of others, for I Cand.—Justice. works of charity and the welfare of the Order? S. W.—Man should judge others as he judges himself; find for S. D.—He is not. their actions the excuses that he readily finds for his own; and look J. D.—If he be one of these, let him withdraw; for such Masons always for a good, rather than Eor a bad motive. we have no room, no need, no use. Do you vouch for him that he Justice and equity are like the light and air—God made them is none of these? common to all; and he who denies justice to his Brother, or wrongs 224 TWENTIETH DEGREE TWENTIETH DEGREE 225 him in his estate, his affection, or his reputation, is unfit to associate present at, or consent to, the conferring of this degree and dignity with his fellows. Do you recognize the truth of these principles? upon any Mason who will not and does not answer, and, as I be- Cand.—I do. lieve, truly, heartily, and sincerely, all the questions asked of me G. M.—Turn now to the East, and read the name upon that at the door, and here before the altar and within the columns. column. To all of which I do sincerely and solemnly swear, binding my- Cand.—Truth. self under no less a penalty than that of being despised and exe- G. M.—No falsehood can be other than an evil; it is an act of a crated by all Masons, and detested by all whom I hold most dear coward; to lie, expressly or by implication, is base and dishonor- on earth. So help me, God, and keep me steadfast. Amen. able; without Truth, there can be no virtue. God is perfect Truth, Candidate salutes the Holy Volume thrice. and every lie, prevarication, misrepresentation, coloring, or concealment, is an offense against him, and disgraceful to a Mason. INVESTITURE Do you recognize the truth of these principles? G. M.—Rise, my Brother, and let me put you in possession of Cand.—I do. the G. M.—Will you make them hereafter the inflexible rule of your P.v. life, conduct, and conversation—letting no inducement, temptation, S.W. or necessity, however stringent, persuade you to swerve from them? V. Battery. Cand.—I will. The Apron, my Brother, with which I now invest you, is tri- G. M.—Kneel, then, at the altar, and assume the obligation of angular in shape, as indeed are all the aprons used in this Order. the rank and degree which you desire to receive. It is unnecessary to state to you that its form relates to the fourth Candidate kneels, and places both hands on the lights, etc. great light, which reminds us of the Deity and his attributes; the yellow relates to the superiority of the grade, while the blue border OBLIGATION and lining is the emblem of Truth, which encompasses it; the triple

I, —, do hereby and hereon, in the presence of the God of triangle on the area exhibits the threefold power of God, and their Truth, Justice, and Toleration, and appealing to Him for the up- angles the nine great lights, with the initial letter of each in the rightness of my intentions, most solemnly and sincerely swear, and respective corners; the Tetragrammaton, crossed by the words, to each Grand Master here present do most sincerely promise, “Fiai lux,” in the center of the triangle, needs no explanation. pledge myself, and vow, that I will never reveal any of the secrets The Cordon is yellow and blue, for reasons already set forth in of this degree to any person in the known world, except to one who describing the apron. is duly authorized to receive them, and when I am fully authorized The Jewel, also, is described by the representation on the area J to conijnunicate them. of the apron. I furthermore promise and swear that I will henceforward for- My Brother, you will now approach the East. ever be guided and directed by the nine great lights of a Grand The 0. M. accompanies the candidate to the foot of the platform with Master, as I shall be informed thereof hereafter. nine steps, where there is a chair placed (but the candidate is not seated), and I furthermore promise and swear that I will not govern any presenting him with the gavel, says: Lodge, or other Masonic body, over which I may be called to pre- I now present you with this Gavel, as a symbol of a Grand side, in a haughty or arbitrary manner, but with gentleness, urban- Master of all Symbolic Lodges of our Order; remembering you are ity, and courtesy; and that I will use my best endeavors to preserve Master a4 1/item, or for life—that is, during your mortal exist- peace and harmony among the members thereof, and all Masons ence and your correct Masonic deportment in life—you are en- everywhere. titled to assume the gavel in all Symbolic Lodges of the Ancient I furthermore promise and swear that I will never assist in, be and Accepted Rite, providing there are none present superior to 3; ~1 226 TXVENTI~TH DEGREE TWENTIETH DEGREE 227 you in rank; but never fail to keep in mind the three requisites of a My Brother, say after me, “So let the light of Charity shine Master—Toleration, Justice, and - Truth. As the presiding officer in me. of a Lodge, it will be your particular duty to dispense light and Candidate repeats, as beeore. knowledge to the brethren. That duty is not performed—nor is Let the great light of Generosity shine in our Lodge: that gen- that which the old charges require, that, at opening and closing, erous nobility of soul that over-looks injuries and scorns to punish the Master shall give, or cause to be given, a lecture, or part of a wrongs—that will confer rather than receive favor, Fiat tux! lecture for the instruction of the brethren—by asking and receiving -1 the answers to three or four merely formal and trivial questions. The third light is lighted. On the contrary, that duty is far higher and more important; and The light shines; let us applaud, my brethren. it behooves the Master to be prepared to perform it. Nor should The Battery, and as before. any one accept the office of Master, until, by acquaintance and familiarity with the history, morals, and philosophy of Masonry, My Brother, say after ~pe,” So let the light of Generosity shine he is fitted to enlighten and instruct his brethren. That- you may in me.’’ Candidate repeats. [. ever remember that duty, you will now, under the direction of the Senior Warden, proceed symbolically to perform it, by restoring Let the great light of Heroism shine in our Lodge: that noble to us the splendor of our nine great lights in Masonry. heroism, inspired by which, men die at obscure posts of duty, when none are their witnesses save God—which sustains the martyr at The candidate will light each of the nine lights in succession, the G. M. saying, before and after each is lighted, and the candidate repeating, as the stake, upholds the humble missionary among savages, and act- follows: uates the patient watcher with the sick, when the air is thick with pestilence. Fiat isis! Let the great light of Veneration shine in our Lodge: venera- The fouith light. tion of God, the Supreme Father—not a slavish fear and adulation, but a loving reverence for a Deity infinitely wise, good, beneficent, The light shines; let us applaud, my brethren. and merciful. Fiat lux! Battery, etc.

The candidate lights the first candle. My Brother, say after me, “So may the light of Heroism shine in me. The light shines; let us applaud, my brethren. Candidate repeats. II’ All give the Battery and say: Let ~hegreat light of Hpnor shine in our Lodge: that true honor, It is light! incapable of baseness, treachery, or deceit—that never breaks its W’M.—Say after me, my Brother, “So let the light of Venera- word to man—that guards its ermine from the slightest spot or tion shine in me. stain, and fears the act far more than the disgrilce that follows it. Candidate repeats. Fiat lust The fifth light, etc., as before. Let the great light of Charity shine in our Lodge: charity to forgive the errors and judge kindly of the motives of our Brother. So may the light of Bonor shine in rae. Fial lux! Candidate repeats. The candidate lights the second light. Let the great light of Patriotism shine in our Lodge: patriotism The light shines; let us applaud, my brethren. willing to sacrifice itself for the common good, even when neither thanks nor honor follow it, but does the right without regard to All give the Battery, and say as before. consequences; the patriotism of Leonidas, who died to hold Ther- 41 ~u 228 TWENTIETH DEGREE TWENTIETH DEGREE 229 mopy1~; of Curtius, who leaped into the yawning gulf; of Socrates, footsteps, may I, as a false Mason and worthless man, cease to who died because the law willed it, rather than escape; of all who exist, and be remembered onlyto be despised. So help me, God.” love the soil that gave them birth enough to die for it unwept, G. M.—My Brother, you will now be seated among the Masters. unhonored, and unsung. Fiat t’ux! The Mxth light, etc., as before.

So may the light of Patriotism shine in me. SECOND SECTION Candidate repeats. Tm~ LIGHT OF PATRIOTISM Let the great light of Justice shine in our Lodge: justice that gives to every man his due, and pronounces righteous judgment (An Interpolation) even when its possessor is plaintiff or defendant; that is not rash Being an Allegory designed to dramatize and further inculcate nor censorious; nor hates sin so much as to come to love mankind the lessons of the Sixth Great Light. too little. Fiat t’ux! The Scene: Old Vassall or Craigie HOQSe in Cambridge, Massa- The seventh light, etc., as before. chuseUs. Time: December, 1775. Late afternoon. So may the light of Justice shine in me. PERSONS Candidate repeats. General George Washington Let the great light of Toleration shine in our Lodge: toleration Major General Richard Gridley that fears to usurp God’s prerogative—remembering the warning, Joshua Wentworth—Aide to General Washington “Judge not, lest ye be judged”—and holds that every man- has an Prince Hall estate in fee in his opinions, and the absolute, ample right of free Cyrus Jonbus enjoyment. Fiat tux! Bensten Slinger Thomas Sanderson The eighth light, etc., a~ before. Peter Best So may the light of Toleration shine in me. General Washington is Beated at a large table in the Library of the El Ouse poring over a military map with ‘General ~ridley. An unlighted candle is on Candidate repeats. the table in a candelabra. Let the great light of Truth—greatest and crowning light of all Washington—You see, then, Gridley, it is necessary to consoli- shine in our Lodge: truth, the imperial and divine—the infinite date our gains by every possible device, and thus forestall another attribute of God; truth, that rebukes and abhors evasion, pre- attack on Boston by the red coats. varication, and mental reservation; trQth, that rejoices in the light Gridley—’Tis plain we must do so, General, but how? That is —itself and light twin emanations from the Deity. Fiat lux! the question. We have no batteries worthy of the name, while cap- The ninth light, etc., as before. tured prisoners say the Enemy opposite our lines is possessed of not fewer than two hundred and fifty cannon. So may the divine light of Tr’uth slime in me. Washington—Ah! Gridley, they were so possessed at Breed’s Candidate repeats. Hill, as against our two brass pieces and six iron six pounders. Gridley— ‘Twas the fortifications, General, the fortifications. Seal, now, and perfect your obligation as Grand Master of all’ Washington—Aye, it was indeed the fortifications, and that Symbolic Lodges1 by repeating as follows: “And when these great brings us to the point. I propose that we proceed at once to seize lights cease to illumine my soul, direct my condQct, and guide my and fortify the high ground of Dorchester Heights, here, (point- 230 TWENTIETH DEGREE TWENTIETH DEGREE 231 ing on map) overlooking the city and the harbor, and from there 1 for our company who have been delegated to present the prayer of bring our artillery fire upon the Enemy’s shipping. a larger group of free men of color. Gridley—’Tis a brilliant plan, sir, but an arduous task. And Washington—I will hear you Sir, but the urgency of my com- whom do you propose to direct this difficult assignment’? mitments requires me to hear you briefly. Washington—Who indeed but the ablest engineer in the Con- IIall—(Bowing again) Thankee, Sir! It is about the Army, Sir! tinental Army. If by chance that person has not come to your ac- Our folk have been permitted only a modest share in the life of this quaintance, his name is Richard Gridley. colony. Even so, with the fortunes of all imperilled and with great Gridley—Oh no, no, sir. Such tasks are for a younger man. My issues at stake, we think that no man has a right to be a by- devotion to my country’s cause does not abate, but the state of stander. We are but humble folk, but there be none ni’ore loyal to 4! my infirmity is proof of how I have long cheated the calendar. our country’s cause. Even the smallest measure of liberty is worth 3, Washington—General Gridley, a man is no older than his dying for. And so the free men of color who live in Boston and arteries and as young as his devotion to people and causes. - environs respectfully petition you Sir, as Commander in Chief, that they be permitted to enlist as regular soldiers in the Patriot Army. Enter Wentworth. Washington-—’Tis a noble sentiment and well expressed, but Washington—What is it, Wentworth’? your petition presents a novel point and I am not sure of my pre- Wentworth—Craving your pardon, Sir, for the intrusion; but rogatives with respect to it. Gridley, what think you of this pro- there are some persons of color at the door who seek an audience posal’? with Your Excellency. Gridley—As you say, General, it is a noble sentiment, but sir, Washington—Ascertain the nature of their errand. we must look well to the rank and file of the Army. ‘Twere inex- Wentworth—I have so endeavored, Sir, but they stoutly persist pedient at this critical stage of the campaign to risk offence to their in their prayer to presenttheir matter to Your Excellency in person. sensibilities. I fear a general dissent by the men to the enlistment Washington—Did you make known to them that I am occupied of colored soldiers. with grave matters concerning the campaign’? Hall—Sir, I can not see why! What objection could they have Wentworth—That I did, Sir, and right earnestly, but they were to sharing the burden of defending our common land? May I re~ not to be dissuaded, -and only persisted all the more in their im- mind you that a man of color, Crispus Attucks, by name, has been portunities. the first to make the supreme sacrifice for the cause—indeed a Washington—Very ~vell,let them enter. vicarious sacrifice. Washington—C rispus Attucks’? Wentworth salutes and retires. Hall—Yes, Your Excellency. He was an escaped bondman who Gridley—If I may dare to suggest, Sir, the great cause you took asylum in this free town, and was the first to fall by the bullets 33 serve is jealous of the time you allow to trivialities. of King George’s soldiers. He thus bought his own ransom and Washington~—And what is a triviality’? Would it be the dust paid the first installment on the price of American liberty. He now of the stars’? The sceptre of a dead king’? The cry of a new born lies in a patriot’s grave in the Middle Burying Ground. babe’? or even the liberty of a single human being’? I wonder, I Washington-—What say you of this, Gridley’? wonder. Gridley—’Tis doubtless true, for it has been much reported hereabouts. But, Sir, I observe that the speaker wears in the lapel Enter Wentworth followed by Hall, Jonbus, Sanderson and Best. All bow. 31 of his coat a Masonic emblem. May I inquire by what authority he Washington—Gentlemen will you by whoever is your spokesman does this’? state the purpose of this interview’? Hall—By authority of due initiation into the Fraternity. Ilall—(Bowing) General Washington, I have the honor to speak Gridley—Where and when’?. —I .-.. k~ ~- 3~

232 TWENTIETH DEGREE TWENTIETH DEGREE 233 3. [Iall—In Lodge No. 441 of the Irish Registry attached to one free Negroes are desirous of enlisting, he gives leave to the recruit- of the British regiments in the army of General Gage, where I and ing officers to en]ist them. I shall lay the matter before Congress, .4 4’ I~f~i~1 fourteen other men of color were on March 6 of this very year who, I doubt not, will approve of it.” initiated into the three degrees, agreeably tothe ancient Landmarks. hall—Sir, I thank you with al] my heart, and be assured that Gridley—In a British Army Lodge did you say’? Do you admit those to whose prayer you made this answer will never betray your to the Commander-in-Chief of your country’s armed forces, and to trust.

himself a distinguished Mason, that you dared consort with the Washington— ‘Tis well. Gridley, Masonry is a beautiful system Bnemy to be made a Master Mason’? What manner of patriot are of Morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols. It can you to do such a thing? no more be the sole possession of one race or group of men than can halt—It was only after our legitimate prayer with proper be the multiplication table. What man is there who can say that avouchment would not be entertained by no less a Masonic body two times two make four and that fact is exclusi~’ely his very own’? than the Lodge oI~ St. Andrew here in Boston. And sir, may I Or, who is he that would claim for his sole possession the Golden remind you that when we sought this privilege the Declaration Rule? With no more right or reason can our glorious Institution be of Independence of the Mother Country had not been made. so circumscribed. Masonry brings to a common level men of all Gridley—Even so, I can not give countenance to any commerce castes; brings to a common altar men of all religions; provides a with men from whom the Lodge of St. Andrew would not receive a common language to men of all tongues ; unites into a common band petition. General Washington, at the time mentioned, the Lodge of brothers men of all races. Whoever alarms the door shall state of St. Andrew was presided over by General Joseph Warren ‘who his avouchment as a man alone, and shall not say, “I seek entrance fell at my side at Breed’s Hill. He was my friend and brother. We as~ Aryan, or Semite, or Hottentot.” signed a secret agreement with each other that in the event of hos- Gridley—Sir, I am fully persuaded. Even if it were otherwise tilities with the Mother Country we would join the Patriot Army. I would, like a good Mason and a good soldier, bow to the judgment For me to advocate the cause of men he deemed not to be fit timber of my superior. for the Masonic Order, would betray both his memory and his Washington—That sentiment, Gridley, is worthy of the man friendship. and Mason you are. Come, Brothers, the dusk of evening comes Washington—My good friend and Brother, I regret I can not down upon us and leaves us in the darkness much as does the dush share your opinions. Warren was a just man and a good Mason. of intolerance settles down upon our minds and leaves us confused May God rest his illustrious soul! But for his untimely death, I and uncharitable. (Rises and goes to the candle on the table. All doubt not that, like the most of us, his opinions touching human rise as General Washington uncovers.) rights would have been much amended. In the crucible of trials Washington—If we are good Masons we are good Patriots. So the dross of our minds is consumed and only the pure gold re- let the great light of Patriotism shine in our hearts as in our Lodge: mains. We are and have been faced with trials. As Tom Paine, patriotism willing to sacrifice itself for the common good, even our adopted brother, is accustomed to say: “These be the times that when neither thanks nor honor follow it, but does the right without try men’s souls” (Turning to Prince Hall) Sir, I am not certain ~.regard to consequences; the patriotism of Leonidas, who died to of my prerogatives in the circumstances, and shall put the matter hold Thermopylin; o Curtius, who leaped into the yawning gulf; to the Congress whose servant I am. Meanwhile, I shall take the of Socrates, who died because the law willed it, rather than escape; responsibility of granting your petition until my judgment is re- of all who love the soil that gave them birth enough to die for it versed. Wentworth, write down this General Order as I dictate. unwept, unhonored and unsung. Fiat lux! Wentworth—Aye, Sir. (Takes seat at table and writes as Gen- With the concluding ~vords General Washington lights the candle. -4 eral Washington dictates.) Washington—” As the General is informed that numbers of All—So mote it be. Amen, Amen and Amen.

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234 TWENTIETH DEGREE TWENTIETH DEGREE 235 .1 CLOSING Let the great light of Patriotism go forth and shine in the G. M.—Brother Senior Warden, have you anything in the West world. Orator takes one, and goes out. to bring before this Lodge of Grand Masters before I proceed to close? Let the great light of Justice go forth and blaze upon the a]tars S. W.—Nothing, Venerable Grand Master. of all men’s hearts. 3. W. takes one, and goes out. G. M.—Brother Junior, have you anything in the South? J. W.—Nothing, Venerable Grand Master. Let the great light of Toleration go forth and dim the fires of persecution. G. M.—Has any Grand Master anything to suggest, offer, or S. W. lakes one, and goes out. propose to this Lodge, for the benefit of a Brother Mason, of this Lodge, of his country, or of humanity’? I bear the light of Truth into the world, to overcome fa]schood and error. Answer, G. M.—~F++ ‘.1 Brother Senior Warden, what is the hour? OFFICLAL DECLARATION S. W.—The world waits for the light. G. M.—Then it is time for us to close, that the great lights of this Lodge may be borne into and illuminate the world. The I, my brethren. The brethren give the t; G.M. + ++; S.W. + ++; J.W. + ++; all the brethren + ++, and say: It is light! G. 211.—Wherever the nine great lights are, there is this Lodge. Let the great light of Veneration go forth from hence and shine in the world. The Hosp. takes one of the lights and goes out.

Let the great light of Charity go forth into and inspire the world. 3. D. takes one, and goes out. Let the great light of Generosity go forth into and ennoble the world. S. D. takes one, and goes out. Let the great light of Heroism go forth into the world, and burn in the spirits of men. Sec. takes one, and goes out. Let the great light of Honor go forth into the world, and baseness skulk and hide from its presence. Treas. takes one, and goes out. [ ~I

TWENTY-FIRST DEGREE 237 2 S. W.—-Illustrious Lieutenant Commander, none but true Prus- sian Knights are present. 411 TWENTYFIRST DEGREEPATRIARCH NOACHITE Lieut. Com.—Knight Warden of the North, are you a Prussian II OR PRUSSIAN KNIGHT Knight? 4 S. W.—I am one. Lieut. Com.—How were you received such ‘I S. W.—By the light of the full moon, like our Brethren in the THE CHAPTER4TS DECORATIONS, ETC. temple of Belus. Bodies of this degree are styled Grand Chapters. Lieut. Com.—Whence came we? The presiding officer is styled “Lieutenant Commander.” The Com- S. W.—From the North and South, the East and West. mander is unknown to the members. The other officers are, the Warden Lieut. Com.—To what end? of the North, the Warden of the South, the Orator, styled ‘‘Knight of S. W.—To hear the complaints of the oppressed, judge the Eloquence,” the Secretary, styled “Knight of the Chancery,” the Treas- guilty, and teach men how to be free. urer, styled “Knight of the Finances,” the Master of Ceremonies, the Warder, who acts as Captain of the Guards, and the Standard-Bearer, Lieut. Com.—Knight of the Chancery, whence came you? who stands at the right hand of the Lieutenant Commander. The Knights Secretary—From the North., are styled “Prussian Knight-Masons.” Lieut. Com.—What is in the North? The dress is entirely black, except the gloves and apron; and black Sec.—The palace and the hovel: affluence and starvation: the mask. purple and rags. The jewel is a silver full moon suspended from the third button of the vest. Lieut. Com.—Knight of Eloquence, whence came you? On the jewel is an arm upraised, holding a naked sword, and around Orator—From the South. it the motto, “Fiat, Justitia, Ruat Coelum.” The apron and gloves are Lieut. Com.—JWhat is in the South? yellow. Or.—Slavery and superstition, barbarity and ignorance. TO OPEN Lieut. Com.—Knight Warden of the South, whence came you? The Lieutenant Commander gives +++ raps, and says: J. W.—From the East. Lieut. Oom.—Knight Warden of the South, the full moon is Lieut. Com.—What is in the East? midway between the horizon and the zenith. Let the Warder post J. W.—Ancient wrongs, prerogatives, and armies that uphold the Sentinels and Patrols! thrones. 4 Lieut. Com.—Knight Warden of the North, whence came you? I Junior Warden—Warder, post the Sentinels, and send forth the Patrols! S. W.—From the West. Lieut. Com.—What isin the West? The Captain of the Guard goes out, remains a short time, returns, and S. W.—Liberty. reports: Lieut. Com.—Knight of the Finances, what of the Treasury? C. of G.—Knight Warden of the South, the Sentinels are at Treasurer—It overflows with the thanks and blessings of the ~1: their posts, and the Patrols occupy all the avenues of the forest. poor. 4 J. W.—Illustrious Lieutenant Commander, the Sentinels and Lieui. Com.—So may it be fore~ver! Prussian Knight Masons, Patrols are posted. since it is our mission to punish crime and protect innocence, let Lieut. Com.—Knights, Wardens of the North and South, repeive this Chapter be opened! Give me the sign! from each Knight present the password. All the Knights raise their arms toward heaven, the sword in the right They do so, and the Senior Warden reports: hand, and turn toward the moon; then, they dropping their arms, and facing [236] the Lieutenant Commander, he says: ~I~i~l

TWENTY-FIRST DEGREE 239 238 I TWEI’lTY-FIRST DEGREE 4 Lieut. Com.—This Grand Chapter is open in due form. Warder, S. W.—Against whom? make proclamation that all who demand justice may draw near. M. of 0.—He will make that known to the Illustrious Lieuten- 0. of G.—Whosoever hath been wronged by the great or op- ant Commander. pressed by the powerful; whosoever hath been unjustly accused or S. W.—UpOn what charge? t~IIt his household outraged; whosoever hath fallen into the hands of M. of 0.—Oppression and injustice. corrupt judges; whosoever hath suffered by bribery or extortion; S. W.—Do you vouch for the sincerity and good faith of the let him come freely forward and prefer his complaint; and right brother? shall be done him by this Grand Chapter of Prussian Knights, from M. of 0—I do. whose judgment there is no appeal. S. W.—It is well. Wait again with patience until I learn the RECEPTION will of the Illustrious Lieutenant Commander. The Candidate is brought to the door of the Chapter, without a sword or The S. W. returns to his post. collar, with his head bare in ordinary garments wearing a plain white apron what does the and white gloves. The Master of Ceremonies, who is with him, gives +~f4 Lieut. Oom.—Knight Warden of the North, distinct, slow knocks upon the door, The Warder on the inside answers by a brother demand? single rap, opens the door, and asks: S. W.—Justice. C. of G.—Who desires to enter this Grand Chapter? Lieut. Oom.—On whom? The M. of C. answers: S. W.—He will make that known only to you. Lieut. Oom.—Upon what charge? M. of 0.—The Master of Ceremonies, having the signs, words, S. W.—Injustice and oppression. and grips; with a Master Mason, descended from Adoniram, and Lieut. Com.—Against such demands the doors of our Chapter who has received the twentieth degree. are never closed. Hasten to admit the Master of Ceremonies and The C. of G. receives the signs, words, and grips, and says: the brother. 0. of G.—Remain, my brother, until I learn the will of the S. W.—Warder admit the Master of Ceremonies and the brother. Il]ustrious Lieutenant Commander. They enter and advance to the Lieutenant Commander, and the candidate kneels before him. The M. of C., speaking for him, says: Re closes the door, goes to the S. W., and whispers in his ear that the M. of C., with a Master descended from Adoniram, and who has attained the M. of 0.—Most Noble and Illustrious Lieutenant Commander degree of Grand Master of all Symbolic Lodges, desires to enter. The S. W. • Noachite, I demand doom and judgment on Count Reinfred of says aloud: • Loegria and the Bishop of Vienne; who have taken from me my S. W.—Illustrious Lieutenant Commander, the Master of Cere- inheritance, and divided the same between themselves. monies,%’ith a Master Mason, descendant of Adoniram, and Grand Lieut. Coin—Arise, my brother! Thou needst not kneel for Master of all Symbolic Lodges, clothed in a white apron and white justice; to which the humblest man hath a right as he hath to air; gloves, desires to enter. and which, like air, is neither to be bought nor sold. Who art Lieut. Com.—Demand of the Master of Ceremonies what this thou, and what proof dost thou offer that thy charge is true? I Mason, descendant of Adoniram, desires. M. of 0.—I am known as Adolph the Saxon, a Master Masoll The S. W. goes to the door, and gives one rap. The M. of C. answers with and Knight of the Rose Croix; and I have fought for the Cross in the holy Land. My patrimony lay between the domain of the 4+4 slow. The C. of ~. opens the door. Count Reinfred and the estates of the Church; and the Bishop and S. W.—What is the desire of our brother, descendant of Adon- the Count coveted them. So while I was absent in the Holy Land, iram, and Grand Master of all Symbolic Lodges? they had a monk, who was a cunning penman, to forge the deed, M. of 0.—He comes to demand justice. and my own seal thereto, by which, for moneys (it was said) loaned 241 240 TWENTY-FIRST DEGREE TWENTY-FIRST DEGREE A’ me by the Count on my departure, I did convey unto him all my Reinf.—Excellent! Why, how this knave convicts me without patrimony. Then the Count, before the Bishop’s Court, preferred ‘1 witnesses! Wilt thou not question further? Shall I bear further his claim, which was speedily determined in his favor; and I, after- outrage? I demand judgment on this slanderer! ward returning, find my patrimony shared between the Count and H. of 0.—I further claim, in token of the justice of my cause, Church, one-half to each, and all appeal or other way of redress that the triple-test of ancient time be demanded of the Count; that denied me. To this I pledge my Masonic word. Let the Court the ever-consuming flame shall wither the brand if I am not sincere produce the parchment, and I will find the means to prove it false. in my motive and accusation; that the purity of the holy incense Lieut. Oorn.—The Count is here. Let him stand forth and shall attest the claim to my rightful inheritance, and the troubled answer this grave charge. waters of the limpid stream shall further attest the wrong of the A brother rises and says: honored Count, in withholding, through fraud, connivance, and forgery, my rightful due. Thus, let fire, air, and water be appealed On my Masonic word, the charge is basely false. to for the justice of my cause. Lieut. Oom.—Hast thou the parchment, Count? Knights—The test! the test! Ii~ Reinf.—I ha~ve it here. Reinf.—These tests are but a sorcery. I stand as one accused of He hands a roll of parchment to the Lieutenant Commander. heinous crime, and not one witness or jot of circumstantial evi- Lieut. Com.—Adolph, his word and thine are equal. Thou must dence confronts me: aye, more, a stranger, who is but a foreign prove the charge, or suffer the penalty our laws inflict upon the knight, a Saxon, discontent, claims, most unrighteously, the return false accuser. of large estate and ]atc]y enriched possessions, one moiety pur- H. of 0.—Illustrious Lieutenant Commander, my trust is still chased by me, in honesty and good faith, and for which large sums in God. Command the Count to answer me three questions, and were given. no more. [ask no other witness than himself. • Knights—The test! the test! Lieut. Oom.—’Tis well. Count Reinfred, answer! and truly, re- H. of 0.—Three questions have I asked, and answers have been membering that thou art a Mason. given—yet, fain I’d test the elements in token of the truth or shame H. of 0.—Upon what day and in what year hath my convey- of this proud, haughty Knight. ance date? Lieut. Oorn.—1 understand you not, Adolph; here we dispense Reinf.—Of the nativity of St. John the Baptist, in the year justice, rendering judgment after mature deliberation and the 1187. receipt of worthy proof; proof here is wanting. Adolph, judgment is God’s! Appeal not to the elements, but, II H. of 0.—That day I was at Mayence, with the Emperor Fred- eric Barbarossa. relying upon a just God, produce thy proof. Reinf.—Wast thou indeed? Who says he saw thee there? Thy charge is grievous; the Count is arraigned. Mark well A!. of 0.—What witnesses were present when [ sealed it? your proof, or suffer the false accuser’s penalties. All proper testi- li~einf.—John of Seis, and Theobald, the Bishop’s Almoner. mony is yours: proceed: I M. of 0.—That day the Almoner lay sick at Marburg. H. of 0.—So be it! I take the alternative. Bring me three rods, Reinf.—Did he, indeed? Who testifies that, here? Oh! that the a pot of incense, and a salver of pure water. Almoner were living still, to face thee here and give thy charge These are produced before the Lieut. Coin. The M. of C. holds one end the lie. of a rod over the flaming incense. H. of 0.—And in what place did I so seal the same? M. of 0.—Let the ever-consuming fire wither this brand, if I Reinf.—Even in my audience-chamber, at the Castle. am not sincere in my motive and accusation. M. of 0.—How bold is guilt! Into thy audience-chamber I never The rod does not burn; but when the Count holds the other end over the entered. flame, it commences to burn.

[I~ Ii ~Th 4

242 TWENTY-FIRST DEGREE ~rW~JNT~-FJRST tEGItEII~ 243 1~ M. of 0.—Behold my proof! M. of 0.—It is the mark of Isaac, the Jew of Vienna; and he M. of C. holds the end o~ a second rod in the pot of incense. adopted it after Frederic Barbarossa died; having before them stamped his parchment with a crown. Wherefore the deed is mani- M. of 0.—Let the purity of holy incense attest that I claim but festly forged. my rightful inheritance. Sec.—It is most true. I knew the Hebrew well. The forgery The incense emits a white flame and smoke; but when the Count holds the is evident. other end in the incense, a red flame and smoke are emitted. Lieut. Oom.—Count Reinfred, what answer canst thou make to

M. of 0.—Behold my proof! this mute witness? . . . None. He standeth mute. Adolph, thou didat trust in God; and thy trust was well founded. Brethren, I M. of C. moving the end of a third rod in the ewer of water: demand your judgment. Upon your oaths, is this Knight inno- A!. of 0.—Let the troubled waters of the limpid stream attest cent or gnilty of the charge? / the wrong of the Count in withholding, through fraud, connivance, AU—Guilty. and forgery, my rightful estate. Lieut. Oom.—Most guilty and most wicked! Forsworn and per- The water remains pure; but when the Count moves the other end of the jured Knight and Mason! we banish thee from this Order. Never rod in the water, its color changes to blood. The Count throws down the rod moxe enter Lodge or Chapter! Put off thy badges of Knighthood, in evident guilt and confusion. and go forth disgraced. Within three days restore this brother his M. of 0.—Behold my proof! possessions, and for thy use thereof, pay him a hundred marks! Reinf. [Recovering] .—Illustrious Lieutenant Commander, these Go, and obey! and let the word dead be written against his name

strange and unaccountable incidents are not proof. This foreign upon our Register! Brethren, do you affirm this judgment? - Saxon is an impostor! By alchemy, he seeks to degrade and dis- All the Knights clash their swords. The sentenced Knight puts off his honor me; and by so defaming and disgracing, to defraud me of order and jewel, and goes forth in silence. my estate. Not one witness or jot of circumstantial evidence has Licut. Oom.—And for the Bishop, let the arrow and the writing been even yet adduced against my rightful deed. If aught is needed, summon him to make restitution or prepare to abide the judgment let the Holy Church—which holds, under like tenure with myself of this Grand Chapter. For none shall be so high or haughty that —attest my claim. I call for judgment on this alchemist—this he shall plunder and oppress the feeble with impunity. Adolph, slanderer and false accuser! Let him suffer the penalty our laws art thou satisfied? inflict. Candidate—Most amply, Illustrious Lieutenant Commander. M. of 0.—How bold, indeed, is guilt! If guilt, wrong, and fraud I’ J. W.—IllustriOUs Lieutenant Commander, the place of Count were not but now deep-stained upon the index of thy soul, as one Reinfred in our Grand Chapter is vacant. I have served with by ofie three simple tests struck deeply at the truth through con- Adolph under I~’rederick the Emperor and Richard of England science, then otherwise convict thyself. Three questions have I I avouch him to be a good and true Knight and faithful Mason, asked, and answers have been given. Thou sayest, on the day of and I propose him to the brethren for their suffrages. the nativity of St. John the Baptist, in the year 1187, in the • Lieut. Oom.—Adolph, is this thine own desire? presence of John of Seis and Theobald, the Bishop’s Almoner (now Oand.—It is. dead), and in thy audience-chamber, at the castle (the which I Lieui. Oom.—Knigbts, if it be your pleasure that Adolph the never entered), the deed was sealed. Thy parchment is my witness. Saxon shall fill the place in this Grand Chapter, made -vacant by Let it speak, my lord! St. John the Baptist’s day, in the year the death of Count Reinfred, give me the token. 1187! Upon the parchment is the vendor’s private mark, a key, 12 in the upper right hand corner. Is it not so, my lord? All clash their swords. Lieut. Oom.—It is. The key is here. Lieut. Oom.—Adolph, the brethren consent to receive you into -All ~1

244 TWENTY-FIRST DEGREE T~WENTY-FIRST DEGREE 245

this Grand Chapter; but I am yet required to exact of you certain I furthermore promise and vow that I will aid in executing the pledges. Dost thou agree and promise that thou wilt be just and I —A judgments of this Grand Chapter; and if myself accused, will righteous, and in all things. strive to emulate, that Patriarch from promptly and cheerfully submit to its jurisdiction. whom we take the name of Noachites; who alone, with his family, I furthermore promise and vow to be merciful and compassion- was found worthy to be saved, when God destroyed mankind with ate; and ever to remember that I am a man, and that all men are the Deluge? my brethren. And furthermore, that I will be humble and modest in ii Oand.—I do. all my conduct, and carefully avoid all haughtiness and insolence Lieut. Oom.—Dost thou promise that thou will be neither in my demeanor and conversation. So help me God, and keep me haughty nor vain glorious nor obsequious to the great, nor insolent steadfast to perform faithfully this my vow! to th.y inferiors? The Lient. Coin. directs him to bow three times to the ground, in token Oand.—I do. of his humility; and then raises him, and communicates the signs, words, and Lieut. Oom.—Dost thou promise that thou wilt be humble and tokens. contrite before the Deity; and ever bear in mind the fate of Phaleg P.V. S.V. and his followers; who endeavored to build a tower whereby they might climb beyond the reach of another Deluge, and defy the M. * &c. omnipotence of God? The Lient. Coin. then invests the candidate with the apron, conar and Oand.—I do. jewel of the degree, and directs him to kneel on both knees; when he strikes Lieut. Oom.—Dost thou promise, as a member of this Tribunal, him lightly with his sword on the right and left shoulder and on the head, to give righteous judgment only, against all persons whomsoever; saying: to be impartial between the high and the low; to be cautious and Lieut. Coin—By virtue of the authority vested in me by this slow to determine, and prompt to execute; to smite the oppress6r Grand Chapter, I do constitute and create you a Mason Noachite, and the wrong-doer, and protect the widow, the orphan, the poor and Prussian Knight, and do devote you, henceforward forever, and the helpless; to be swayed neither by bribe nor fear, nor favor to the cause of every one who hath been wronged by the great or nor affection; and still to temper justice with mercy; remembering ‘I oppressed by the powerful; of every one who hath been unjustly that there is no man who doth not err and sin? accused or his household outraged; of every one who hath fallen Oand.—I do. into the hands of corrupt judges; of every one who bath suffered Lieut. Oom.—Kneel then, and assume the solemn obligation of a by bribery or extortion; of the oppressed, the widow, the orphan, the Patriarch Noachite, or Prussian Knight. distressed and the destitute. Arise, Knight of suffering humanity, The Candidate kneels on both knees, grasping with both hands, the hilt and be armed for the combats that await you! of a ‘bword, handed him by a brother, which hilt must be in the shape af a cross, and the sword held perpendicularly, the point upon the floor. In this He rises, and the M. of C. buckles on his spurs, and the Licut. Coin. attitude he repeats the following hands him a sword, saying: Lieut. Oom.—You are now prepared to do the duties of a true OBLIGATION Knight. upon the sacred word of a Master Mason and Knight A ‘I TO CLOSE Rose Croix, do most solemnly promise and vow that I will faith- - fully keep the secrets of this degree, and will reveal them to no The Lieut. Coin, gives ++~ raps, and says: person in the world, unless to one who shall be legally authorized Iiieut. Oom.—Knight Warden of the North, the moon is passing to receive them. from us. The hour for this Grand Chapter to close has arrived. I furthermore promise and vow that I will keep punctually, and Give notice to the Knights that our labors are about to end. in both spirit and letter, all the promises I have here made. The S. W. gives one rap, and says: ;ifII 246 TWENTY-FIRST DEGREE S. W.—Brethren and Knights, prepare to close this Grand Chap- ter. The light by which we work is about to be obscured. Lieut. Gom.—Knight Warden of the North, we have heard the complaints of the oppressed; we have judged those denounced to TWENTY-SECOND DEGREE—KNIGHT OF TIlE ROYAL us as criminals; we have administered justice and regarded mercy. AXE, OR PRINCE OF LIBANUS What more remains to be done? ~ ++ S. W.—To go forth and labor in the cause of struggling humanity; to imitate in our conduct and conversation therighteous Patri- arch; and thus to become true Noachites. LODGES, OFFICERS, DECORATIONS, ETC. Lieut. Com.—And is there no more? Bodies of this degree are styled Colleges. There are two apartments. Or.—Phaleg! Phaleg! Phaleg! The first is a plain room, of moderate dimensions, without any fixed num- S. W.—True! To remember the fate of Phaleg; and warned ber of lights, and prepared to represent a carpenter’s workshop oii Mount thereby, to be modest and humble, and not boastful, vain-glorious, Lebanon. The second is hung wiLh red, and lighted by 36 lights, ar- I ranged by sixes and each six by twos. It represents the Council-room of I or wise in our own conceit. Lieut. Com.—It is well. Go forth, my brethren, and perform the Round Table. In the center of the room is such a table, around which ii the brethren sit. The altar is in the East, and upon it are an open Bible, ii these duties. Knight Warden of the North, give notice to the the Square and Compasses, and an Axe. Knights that this Grand Chapter is darkened. The officers are a Chief Prince, who is styled ‘‘Thrice Potent,” a S. W.—Knights and brethren, this Grand Chapter is darkened, Senior and Junior Grand Warden, a Master of Ceremonies, and Captain and its labors end. The sign and word, my brethren. of the Guard. - The apron is white, lined and bordered with purple. On the middle a All the brethren give the sign and repeat the password, as directed. round table is embroidered, on which are mathematical instruments, and plans unrolled. On the flap is a serpent with three heads. Lieut. Com.—The light has departed. Farewell! The tracing-board is a view of the mountains and forests of Lebanon, the sununit of the mountain covered with snow, and of the Temple erected of its cedars and pines. It is in the form of an axe. In the workshop the Senior Warden presides, and is styled ‘‘Master Carpenter.” Be and all the brethren wear frocks or blouses and aprons. There is no particular alarm or battery in the workshop.

TO OPEN

The Chief Prince gives one rap, and says: My brethren, the day-star has risen in the East. It is time to arouse the workmen, that they may be prepared for their labors. Brother Senior Grand Warden, are alt the Princes present? S. W.—Thrice Potent, they are. T. P.—Announce to them, mybrother, through the Junior Grand Warden, that I am about to open this College; that directions may be given to the workmen, their complaints be heard, and justice administered. S. W.—Brother Junior Warden, the Thrice Potent is about to open this Co]lege of Princes of Libanus. Make proclamation [247] ‘S‘S TWENTY-SECOND DEGREE 249 248 TWENTY-SECOND DEGREE 1*5 that all who desire instruction, and those who have complaints to C. of ‘G.—Hath he received all the preceding degrees? prefer or justice to demand, may come forward and be heard. M.ofC.—IIehas. J. W.—Brethren, it is made known to me that the Thrice Potent C. of G.—Hath he approved himself a true Knight and just is about to open this College of Princes of Libanus. Let those judge? who have instruction to ask, complaints to prefer, or justice to M. of C.—He has. demand, draw near and they shall be heard. C. of G.—What further claim hath he to this privilege? T. P.—My brethren, unite with me in imploring the blessing of M. of C.—The claim of birth; and rank in Masonry. the Supreme Deity upon our labors! C. of G.—I will advise the College of his request. Let him All the Knights repeat the following patiently await their answer. Re closes the door. PRAYER T. P.—Brother Captain of the Guard, who seeks admittance to the College? Thou who didst create the universe, and hast builded it in in- C. of G.—A Prussian Knight, who desires to obtain the degree finite magnificence, as Thou art infinite in skifl and wisdom, bless of Prince of Libanus; in charge of our Master of Ceremonies. us in our daily labors, and prosper the work of our hands! Teach T. P.—Has he received all the preceding degrees? us and all men that labor is honorable! Improve the condition of C. of G—The Master of Ceremonies answers that he has. the toiling millions. Teach the rich and the haughty compassion T. P.—Hath he approved himself a true Knight and just judge? for those over whom they have control; and hasten the coming of C. of G—The Master of Ceremonies answers that he has. the day when all men shall acknowledge the great truth, that to T. P.—What farther claim hath he to this privilege? work well in oar appointed sphere is the most acceptable prayer C. of G.—The claim of birth; and rank in Masonry. that man can offer up to Thee. Amen! T. P.—The claim is not snificient. Yet let him be admitted. F T. P.—Brother Junior Grand Warden, arouse the workmen, by —5 the usual alarm. He is admitted, and advances to the table; the T. P. addresses him thus:

The J. W. raps ++; S. W. ++; and T. P. ~ Then, alter a moment’s T. P.—Is it your desire, my brother, to obtain the degree of silence, T. P. gives the sign, which all answer, and he says: Prince of Libanus? T. P.—The Cedars on Mount Lebanon wait to be felled. Under Cand.—It is. the auspices, etc., I declare this College open. T. P.—Is your desire for this degree sufficient to induce you to lay aside your insignia, your sword and jewel, for a time, and RECEPTION join the sons of labor, who represent the toiling millions? Cand.—It is. The Candidate, in the dress, insignia, and jewels of a Prussian Knight, T. P.—Go then, my brother, obtain their suff rages, and retain with a sword and other apparel complete, is brought; to the door of the second to us. apartment, in which the officers and brethien are seated around the table, oa The Candidate withdraws with the M. of C., and goes to the door of the which are plans and mathematical instruments. The Niaster of Ceremonies, 5 raps. The door is opened, and having charge of the Candidate, gives the battery. The Captain of the Guard theyfirst apartment,enter. Thewhereworkmenthey aregivehewing,three orsawing,four planing, mortising, etc., and opens the door a little, and asks: the Master Carpenter copying designs from a tracing-board. He gives one C. of G.—Wlio comes here? loud rap, and the workmen pause. Al. of C.—A worthy Prussian Knight who desires to obtain the S. W.—Whom have you there, Brother Master of Ceremonies? degree of Prince of Libanus, and to that end he hath traveled M. of C.—A Prussian Knight, who desires your suffrages, that hither from afar. he may obtain the degree of Prince of Libanus. It,’ Ii S’S 250 TWENTY-SECOND DEGREE I! S. W.—Our suifrages are given to those that work. Has he TWENTY-SECOND DEGREE 251 learned to do so? before him, never to rise again, so Masonry hews at those mighty M. of C.—Nay; but is wilLing; and hath for that come hither. upas-trees, Intolerance, Bigotry, Superstition, Uncharitableness, ,ii~ S. W.—Does he acknowledge the dignity of labor; and that it is and Idleness; and lets in the light of truth and reason upon the 1’ no curse, bat a privilege, for man to be allowed to earn his sus- human mind, which these vices have darkened for centuries. tenance by work? M. of C.—Ee does. The Candidate is made to use the plane; and then a brother brings him a I. piece of dry bread and a cup of water; and the Master Carpeater says to S. W.—Does he admit that the honest laboring man, upright him: and independent, is, in nature‘s heraldry, the peer of kings; and S. W.—Eat, my Brother, of the laborer’s food. It is thine own; Ii that not labor, but idleness is disgraceful? M. of C.—He does. for thou hast earned it; and no one suffers because thou dost eat. S. W.—Art thou willing to eat only what thou dost earn; He is made to use the axe. Thea the Master Carpenter says: patiently to receive instruction; and to recognize and treat these workmen as thy brethren and thy equals? S. W.—My brethren, this Knight by his ready acquiescence in Cand.—I am. our rules, and his cheerful conformity to our customs, has shown S. W.—Then, as thon wast divested of thy outward garments, a true appreciation of the dignity of labor. upon thy first entry into a Masonic Lodge, divest thyself now of T. P.—Go, then, and kneel at the altar, and receive the obliga- I, thy insignia and jewel, and assume the dress and apron of a work- tion of this degree. man. He kneels upon both knees, with his hands upon the axe and Bible, and The Candidate puts off his regalia, and is clothed in a blonse and coarse takes this

apron, and directed to saw a long plank ja two lengthwise. When he has S—I finished, the Master Carpenter says: OBLIGATION S. TV—My Brother, the saw, the plane, and the hewing-axe are the working tools of a Prince of Libanus. The saw symbolizes that I, , of my own free will and accord, in ‘the presence of the steady patience and persevering determination by which the reso- Supreme Architect of the Universe, and this College of Princes of lute man makes his way to the object of his endeavor through all Libanus, do hereby and hercon most solemnly and sincerely promise obstacles; and teaches us that Masons, laboring for the improve- 4’ and swear, that I will never communicate the secrets of this degree ment of the world and the great cause of human progress, must be 4, to any person or persons whatsoever, unless he or they shall be content to advance—certainly, though ever so painfully and slowly, lawfully entitled to the same. toward~aeeess As the plane cuts down the inequalities of surface, I furthermore promise and swear that I will hereafter use my it is symbolical of Masonry, which cuts off the prejudices of ignor- best endeavors to elevate the character of the laboring classes, and ance, and the absurdities of superstition, and -aids to polish and to improve their condition; to disseminate the blessings of educa- civilize mankind. The axe is the great agent of civilization and im- tion among their children, and to give to themselves their due provement. It is the troops armed with that weapon that have con- social and political weight; and that, recognizing labor as honor- quered barbarism. Under its blows the primeval forests disappear, able, I will regard the laboring man as my peer and equal, so far and the husbandman displaces the wild hunter, and to the rude as his honesty, virtue, and intelligence may eutitle him to it. barbarism of the early ages sacceed settled society and laws, and All which I promise and swear, under the penalty of exposure all the arts that refine and elevate mankind. The axe is nobler on the highest pinnacle of Mount Libanus, there miserably to perish than the sword. And as the sturdy pioneer, armed with the axe, in its perpetual snows. So help me God; and aid me to keep and If strides onward in the van of civilization; and as the great trees fall observe the same! The T. P. raises him, and communicates the signs and words. ~Ij 252 TWENTY-SECOND DEGREE

* Ans. TWENTY-THIRD DEGREE—CHIEF OF THE ~ P.v. S.v. TABERNACLE The candidate is thea iavested with the collar, aproa, and jewel of the degree; and the T. P. explains to him the initials upon the jewel; concluding by saying:

T. P.—The Serpent with three heads, upon the flap of the apron, THE LODGE—ITS DECORATIONS, ETC. is Idleness, the body from which issue the three vices symbolized by the heads: Drunkenness, Impurity, and Gaming: by which so Lodges in this degree are styled CourLs. The hangings are white, supported by red and black columns, by twos, many youths have been lost, and so many great nations have sunk placed at intervals, according to the taste of the architect. The Court into ignoble imbecility and shameful bondage. represents an encampment of the Twelve Tribes, in the desert, near Sinai. In the East, that of Judab; the color of the standard being crimson, TO CLOSE in stripes or waves; and the device a Lion, couchanL, between a crown and scepter. 4’ Next to Judah, on the side toward the North, that of Issachar; color The T. P. gives oae rap, and says: of the standard, greenish yellow; device, an Ass, couchant, between two T. P.—Brother Senior Grand Warden, what is the hour? burdens or packs. S. W.—Thriee Potent, the sun has set. Next to Judah, on the side toward the South, that of Zebulon; color, T. P.—It is time, then, to call the workmen from their labors, light green, and device a Ship. Next toward the South, that of Simeon; color, yellow; device, a naked, that they may rest. Announce to the Princes that this College is Sword. about to be closed. In the South, Lhat of Reuben; color, a brilliant crimson; device, a S. W.—Brother Junior Grand Warden, the Thrice Potent is Man. about to close this College of Princes of Libanus. You will commu- Next to Reuben, on the side toward the West, that of Gad; color, nicate the same to the brethren. bluish-green; device, a field covered with Stars. 4’ Next toward the West, that of Manasseh; color, variegated, like J. W.—Brethren, the ‘Thrice Potent is about to close this Col- agate; device, a Vine running over a wall. lege of Princes of Libanus. 5’, I~c the West, that of Ephraim; color, variegated, like opal; device, T. P.—Brother Junior Grand Warden, we will call the workmen a Bull.

from their labor by the usual alarm. IS Next toward the North, that of Benjamin; color, violet; device, a Wolf. The J.W. raps ++; the S.W. 44; and the T.P. 44; an Next toward the North, that of Asher; color, blue; device, a Tree in given and answered ~ at opeaiag - d the sign is full leaf. T. P.—The cedars of Mount Libanus are felled; and this College In Lhe North, that of Dan; color, that of the gold-stone; device, an is closed. Eagle, holding a serpent in his beak. II Next to Dan, toward the East, that of Naphthali; color, bluish-green; device, a female Deer running at speed. In the center of the Lodge is a representation, reduced in size, oP ~1 the Tabernacle of Moses, described in Exodus, chapters xxvi, and xxxvi, as nearly accurate as circumstances and the means of the Lodge will allow. TO OPEN The H. P. gives two raps, and says H. P.—Eleazar, my son, what is the hour? S. 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TWENTY-THIRD DEGREE 257 256 TWENTY-THIRD DEGREE ceeded by a profound silence. This is repeated three times; and then, in the heed that thou do not so likewise; for as God hath said that no ‘1 profound stillness, one cries with a loud voice: stranger, not of the seed of Aaron, shall approach to offer incense Korali, Datban, and Abirarn, and their company, have put forth before the Lord, that he be not dealt with as Korah and his com- strange fires in their censers, and laid incense thereon, and stood pany; even so, if thou approachest our mysteries, except with a in the door of the Tabernacle, before the Lord: and the Lord hath pure heart, thy sins repented of, and a sincere desire to serve God Ii done a new thing, for the earth hath opened her mouth, and hath and thy fellowmen, their fate or a worse will overtake thee. DosL thy now dare to proceed? 4, swallowed them up, for their presumption, with all that appertained to them; and they have gone down alive into the chasm, and the The candidate assenting, the M. of C. sprinkles him with water, and cuts off a lock of his hair, saying: earth has closed upon them, and they have perished from among /, Al. of 0.—I sprinkle thee with this pure water in token of that it the congregation. Another voice cries aloud: vnrity of heart and blamelessness of life which must hereafter characterize thee as a Levite without guile; and as I sever from :4 Flee, children of Israel, for there hath come a fire from the thy head this lock of hair, even so must thou divest thyself of every Lord, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered ~ji~ incense. selfish and sordid feeling, and devote thyself hereafter to the serv- 1! Another voice cries: ice of God, and the welfare, happiness, and improvement of man- The children of Israel have murmured against the Lord, and kind. He then clothes him in a white tunic and white drawers, his feet bare, and against Moses and Aaron, for the death of Korah and his com a white cloth over his head, covering his eyes so as to prevent him from seeing, pany: and he hath sent the plague upon them, and many thousands and then conducts him to the door of the Assembly, where, giving the battery, have died thereof; and the whole people is about to be destroyed. he is admitted. Upon entering, the Junior Deacon meets him, opens the tunic, and marks the sign of the cross upon his breast, saying: A profound silence continues for some minutes, and then, by means of a wicket prepared for tEe purpose, at the bottom of the door, a single feeble ‘- 0. of 0.—Upon thy entrance into this holy place, thou art light is introduced, and the wicket silently closed again. Immediately a gong marked with the sign of the cross, which, pointing to the four is sounded loudly by the door; it thunders again, and chains are rattled to- quarters of the compass, is a symbol of the Universe of which God ‘1 gether and dashed loudly on the floor. This is followed by groans and cries as of persons in extreme agony; and then by silence. Then the wicket is partly is the soul; and it teaches how insignificant is man, and how con- opened, and the M. of 0. in a disguised voice says to the candidate, through tinually he should humble himself in the presence of that great the wicket: being who knows his inmost thoughts. M. of 0.—Hast thou repented of thy sins? He is then conducted to the East, and thence three times aiound the ioom, Cand.—I have. by the South, West, and North, while the J. W. reads: M. of 0.—Pray then to the God of Israel for mercy and forgive- 1st. Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the iI~ nessmlest He consume thee with fire, as he hath consumed Nadab children of Israel: Ye have seen what II did unto Mitzrayim, and and Abilin, the sons of Aaron, the High-Priest. how IL bear you on the wings of eagles, and brought you unto myself. After a pause of a few minutes, the M. of C. asks: 2d. Now, therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep M. of 0.—Hast thou bowed thee to the earth and prayed? my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me, above If the candidate answers in the affirmative (and if he does not, the ques- all people; for all the earth is mine. tion is repeated at intervals, until he does), the door is opened, and the 3rd. And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy Iv!. of C. enters, and says to him: nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the chil- 4 M. of 0.—My Brother, thou hast heard of the awful punishment dren of Israel. ‘<~ with which God hath visited those who, not being duly quali- At the end of the 3rd Circuit M. of 0. and the candidate halt in the East, fied, have presumptuously intermeddled with holy things. Take where M. of 0. gives the battery, and H. P. asks: 258 TWENTY-THIRD DEGREE TWENTY-THIRD DEGREE 259 H. P.—Whom bring you hither with you, Brother Master of all: in thee all things exist. 0 guide and guard us, and lead us Ceremonies? I safely toward thee, that we faint not by the wayside, nor wander Al. of 0.—Eliasaph the son of Lad, chief of the house of Gershon, into the darkness like lost children. Amen. son of Levi; whom God has given as a gift to thee and thy sons, All-—So mote it be! from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children H. P.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, why do you travel from of Israel in the Tabernacle of the Congregation; and to make atone- the -East to the West, by the way of the South? ment for the children of Israel. 31. of 0.—We copy the example of the sun; and follow his bene- H. P.—Hath he prayed in the cell of probation and purification? p ficent course. Al. of 0.—He has. If. P.—It is well. He is the fountain of light, and an emblem II. P.—Hath he heard the thunder of the Lord and the earth- of the kind beneficence of the Deity. Let this candidate now rise, quake; and repented of his sins? and purify himself in the brazen layer, that he may be fitted to Al. of 0.—lie has. draw near to our holy altar and there be prepared hereafter to 11. P—I-lath he been sprinkled with the water of purification, shine among men, blessing all within the circle of his influence, and

and passed through the other necessary ceremonies to prepare him 11 returning good for evil. to receive the mysteries? The candidate is conducted to the brazen layer, and there caused to wash 0 Al. of 0.—He has. his hands and feet. When this has been done, he is placed in charge of the C. oe G. who says: If. P.—Hast thou been warned that thou must enter here, and I’ seek to know our mysteries, with a pure heart, and a sincere desire 0. of G.—Most Excellent High-Priest, the candidate is duly to serve God and thy fellow-men? purified. H. P.—Return then with him, my Brother, to the altar, ap- Cand.—I have. ) proaching it by seven regular steps; and place him in due position I, H. P—And art thou willing henceforward to devote thyself to that service: to eschew vice, and practice virtue, charity, and to receive the obligation of a Levite. The candidate is reconducted to the West, and made to reach the altar by truth? seven steps, stepping first with the left foot; at the altar he kneels, with his Cand.—[ am. hands open upon the Square and Compasses, the right wrist over the left at II. P.—Then, if thou wouldst inherit the promises of the God of right angles, forming a cross. The bretWren surround him, each crossing his Israel, and become hereafter Kadosh, one of his holy people, kneel arms upon his breast; and he repeats the following and unite with us in reverent prayer to him. OBLIGATION I, ,in the presence of the God of Israel, do hereby and All kneel on one knee, and H. P. reads tEe following hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will INVOCATION never reveal any of the secrets of this degree to any person not legally authorized to receive them, nor without due authority war- H. P.—0 mighty and inscrutable Being, for whose very self ranting me to do so. there is no name whatever, and even the ineffable word expresses a I furthermore promise and swear that I will be obedient to my limitation of thy infinite essence! of whom all the deities of all superiors; that I will keep my body pure, and receive submissively the nations are but personifications of single attributes; we bow the doctrines and mysteries of this Order; and that I will hence- down unto thee as the simple absolute existence, that with a thought forth, to the best of my ability and knowledge, obey the laws of didst from thyself utter all the worlds! Eternal Father, of whose God, and labor to do good to my fellow-men. thought the universe is but a mode! Unchangeable! Coeval with To all of which I do most solemnly swear; binding myself under time, and coextensive with space! whose laws of harmony, that’thy I, no less a penalty than that of being swallowed up alive, like Korah, will is, rule all the movements of the suns and worlds! Thou art the Dathan, and Abiram. So help me God! Amen. ~1V 260 TWENTY-THIRD DEGREE One of the brethren p Laces the point of the poniard against the candidate’s /4 SI TWENTY-THIRD DEGREE 261 left breast; and the II. P. asks: V incense of good deeds and charitable actions dictated by a pure 5,. II. P.—My Brother, -what feelest thou? ‘if and upright heart. ii Upon hearing his answer, he says: TO CLOSE

.5-” II. P.—It is the weapon of vengeance in the hand of a Brother; 55 H. P.—Eleazar, my son, what is the hour? I, S. W,—The sacrifices are concluded, and the fire burns upon the -1 and as it now pains the flesh, remember that if thou dost violate 55 thine obligation, the sharp arrows of conscience and keen remorse altar of burnt-offering. H. P.—Of what are the ~acrifices symbolical? will pierce thee through, and torture thee forever. To whom dost 1~5 is 5’ 45 thou look for strcngth to enable thee to keep thy vows and escape S. W.—Of the sacrifice of our personal feelings and pleasures upon the altar of duty. this punishment’? H. P,—Of what is the ever-burning fire symbolical? Cand,—To God. / ‘fI, Ii. P.—rt is well, In Him alone, and not in our own feeble reso- S. W.—Of the never-ceasing mercy and goodness of God; and lution, there is safety. What now dost thou desire? of that zeal and devotion to His service and the welfare of men ‘5 Cand,—Light. which ought ever to burn in the bosom of a Chief of the Tabernacle, H, P.—Light is the gift of God, and common to all men. Be II, P,—Of what is the Tabernacle symbolical? thou henceforth a son of light! ‘5 S. W.—Of the universe: in which~ God dwells, as the soul of man in his body. He is raised. H, P,—Of what are the six branches of the candelabrum of gold IL P.—What did the candidate do in ancient initiations? symbolical? He unreservedly surrendered his life and liberty to the Master S. W.—Of the six months of light; and the six days in which of the Temples of Thebes or of Memphis. He advanced resolutely God created the universe. through innumerable terrors, that might well have made him con- H, P,—Of what are the seven lamps symbolical? clude there was a premeditated attempt to slay him. He passed 5, W.—Of the seven planets; and of the seven great stars that through the executioner’s fires, swam torrents of black and turbid pointed out to the people of Israel the North, water, hung suspended by unknown machinery over bottomless H, P,—What are the colors of the hangings of the Tabernacle? precipices. That was’ blind obedience, in the fullest sense of the 5, W,—White, blue, crimson, and purple. term. To abjure one’s liberty for the moment, in order to obtain H. P.—Of what are those colors symbolical to a Priest of the a lofty emancipation, is this not the most perfect exercise of every Tabernacle? liberty,? Art thou prepared to do this? S. W,~XXThite, of the infinite beneficence of God; blue, of His Cand,—I am. profound and perfect wisdom; crimson, of His Glpry; and purple, H. P.—Receive then the sign, token, and word of this degree. of His power. H, P.—What now remains to be done? S. W,—To meditate in silence and prepare for the duties of the P,v. S,v, morrow, H. P.—I accept and receive you, my Brother, as a Levite and H, P,—That we may retire and do so, let this Court now be Chief of the Tabernacle, and consecrate and devote you henceforth closed, The sign, my sons! The sign is given, and the battery as at opening; and the H, P, declares the to the service of the children of light; and I now invest you with Court closed, the belt, jewel, and apron of this degree, The jewel, or censer of silver, is ever to remind you to offer up unceasingly to God the

I ‘~ r

vs TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE 263

A The Grand Captain of the Guards represents Joshua, the son of Nun, and sits on the right side of the Tabernacle, facing the East. I Al] the officers, except the Leader and Wardens, and all the other members are styled “Levites”; and these officers and members all wear 4 a Lurban of white muslin; a broad watered scarlet ribbon, worn from right to left, a girdle of light green morocco, fringed below with gold, TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE—PRINCE OF THE A TABERNACLE and edged with gold lace, from which girdle a small silver ceriser is suspended; afid the apron and jewel of the degree. On the front of the ribbon are embroidered, in gold, a winged globe, and under it a scarabacus, under which is a brilliant butterfly; all symbols of immortaliLy. The apron, which is not worn by the first three officers, is of white THE LODGE—ITS DECORATIONS, ETC. I lambskin, lined with scarlet, bordered with light green, and the flap light The Lodge consists of two apartments. The first, which is the smaller, blue. In the middle of the apron is printed a representation of an Arabian tent, in gold; and on the flap a representation of a myrtle-tree, adjoins the second, and is called the Vestibule, where the brethren clothe 44 themselves. It is furnished at all points like a Master Masons’ Lodge, of violet color. except that instead of a printed Bible, a roll of parchment, representing The jewel is the letter Y, suspended from a short collar of narrow, the Book of Law, lies on the altar, upon the Book of Constitutions; and watered, violet-colored ribbon. that the letter J is suspended in the East, instead of the 0-. The Most Potent Leader wears a tunic of blue silk, its collar deco- The second apartment is furnished in every respect like the principal rated with rays of gold representing a glory, an& the body of it sprinkled apartment in the twenLy-third degree, with these additions: with stars of gold. On his head he wears the white turban, with a purple In the East is suspended the Pentagram, or Blazing Star. band round the forehead, embroidered with stars of gold; and also sur- There are two sets of hangings all around the room, one red and the mounted by a small triangle of gold, the apex downward. if other black. On the table of shew-bread, in the Tabernacle, is a silver vessel con- TO OPEN taining perfumed oil. OFFICERS AND CLOTHING A M. P.—Prince Elisaph Ben Lael, I am about to open this Court of Princes of the Tabernacle, that ~ve may take counsel together The Lodge is styled “The Court.” The presiding officer represents Moses, and is styled ‘‘Most Potent Leader.” He sits in the East. Near for the welfare of the Order. See that we be well guarded, so that him, on his right, is the second officer, who represents Eleazar the High- those entitled to do so can alone approach the Tabernacle. Priest, the son of Aaron. He is styled ‘‘Most Excellent High-Priest,’’ Or.—Valiant Grand Captain of the Guards, see that the Taber- and wears the full dress of his office, as described in the twenty-third nacle is ‘well guarded, so that none may approach it save those who degree. On the left of the Leader sits the third officer, clothed as the are entitled to do so. Priest$n that degree, and representing Ithamar, the son of Aaron. He is styled ‘‘Excellent Priest.’’ The C. of 0. goes cut, returns, gives the battery, receives it in response, The Orator represents the Prince Eliasaph, the son of Lad, of the posts the brethren, armed with drawn swords, on each side, north and south, house of Gershon, and sits in the WesL. of the Tabernacle, and then, facing the West and saluting, reports: The Secretary represents the Prince Eliazaphan, the son of (Izziel, C. of 0.—Potent Chief of the house of Gershon, the sentinels are of the house of Kohath, and sits to the south of the Tabernacle. The Treasurer represents the Prince Zuriel, the son of Abihael, of at their posts, and the Tabernacle is well guarded. the house of Merari, and sits to the north of the Tabernade. Or.—Report the same to the Most Potent Leader. The Expert represents Aholiab, and sits to the right of the Leader, The C. of •G., facing the East, and kneeling on one knee: in front. The Assistant Expert represents Bezaleel, and sits to the right of the C. of 0.—Most Potent Leader, the sentinels are at their posts, Orator, in front. and the Tabernacle is well guarded. The Grand Master of Ceremonies represents Caleb, the son of Jephun- neh, and sits facing the Leader, in front of the Tabernacle. I M. P.—Thanks, my Brother! Princes, Chiefs of the three houses [262] iiI 264 TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE 265 of Levites, see that al] present are Princes of the Tabernacle, and sacrifices of flesh and blood; and to aid you with my counsel and have seen the perfection of the holy mysteries of the Hebrews! advice. The Orator, Secretary, and Treasurer receive the sign of recognition and M. It—It is time to proceed to discharge our duties. Assist me, the token, with the pass-word, from the bretbren, in then respective houses. Princes, to open this Cortrt! The sign, my brethren! The Treasurer gives tEem to the Secietary, and he to the Orator, who reports: .1 All give the sign together, except the Wardens and Leader, who then give Or—Most Potent Leader, all the brelhten in our houses, on the A it in succession, the J. W. beginning. Then the Leader, Wardens, and others north, south and west of the Tabernacle, are Princes of the Taber- in the East, give the battery with their hands. Those in the West repeat it; nacle, and have seen the perfection of the holy mysteries of the then those in the South; then tbose in the Nortb. The M. P. stretching forth his hands: riI Hebrews. -N M. P.—Learned Brother Assistant Experg whom dost thou M. P.—The Lord bless you and keep you! represent in this Court? All—Amen. Asst. Exp.—Bezaleel, Most Potent, who also aided in making M. 7Th—The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious i the first Tabernacle in the Desert. unto you. M. P.—fJow did he labor upon the Tabernacle V IT All—Amen. Asst. Exp.—As an engraver; beautifying the vessels thereof; M. It—The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give and as an embroiderer in blue and purple and scadet and fine ]inen. you peace! I M. P.—Exceflent Priest Ithamar, what should that occupation All—Amen! So mote it be! teach. us as Masons? M. It—Under the auspices, etc., I declare this Court of Princes J. W.—To engrave upon our hearts, and ever recollect and obey, of the Tabernacle to be duly opened. the laws of Cod, and the statutes of righteousness, virtue, and truth; The M. P. gives one rap, and the brethren sit down, and to make our lives beautiful with the embroidery of good actions. RECEPTION M. A—Learned Brother Expert, whom dost thou represent in this Court? The Candidate, representing Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the High Priest, K is clothed in a white tunic, without ornaments or insignia, and conducted to Exp.—Aholiab, Most Potent, who aided in making the first the door of the vestibule, in charge of the Expert, who enters with him with- Tabernacle, in the Desert. out ceremony, and conducts him to the east of the vestibule, where the Grand M. P.—How did he labor upon the Tabernacle? Master of Ceremonies is seated, who thus addresses him: Exp.—In gold and silver and brass; in the cutting of precious ~‘ M. of 0.—My brother, thou hast sought to be consecrated and stones, and the carving of wood. sanctified in the office of the Prince of the Tabernacle. But before 111. P—Excellent Priest Ithamar, what lesson shoul?d that occu- thou canst attain thy wish, and before the ancient ceremonies can pation teach us as Masons? be commenced, thou must, in the most solemn manner, give assur- J. P7.—Ever to strive to attain perfection, and to be patient and ance that no unworthy motive prompts thee to seek to know those persevering in every good work. ancient mysteries which were instituted amoxjg the Patriarchs; and M. P.—What are the especial duties of a Prince of the Taber- the knowledge of which is indispensable to him who would become nacle? a Prince in Masonry. Kneel, therefore, and place thy hand upon J. W.—To labor incessantly for the glory of God, the honor of the Book of the Law, and make true answer to such questions as his country, and the happiness of his brethren. shall be asked thee! M. P.—Most Excellent High-Priest, what is your duty in the Dost thou now, representing Phinehas the son of Eleazar, Court of he Princes of the Tabernacle? solemnl?y declare that in seeking to know the hidden ancient mys- J. W.—To offer up thanks and prayers to the Deity, in lieu of teries, thou are not actuated by any spirit of idle curiosity, or the ‘9 i’i~ ~1I TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE 267 266 I, pride of knowledge; but by a sincere desire to be better able to superstition, and can walk alone in the darkness, supported as he serve God, thy country and thy brethren, and more effectually to is upon his staff, wrapped in his c[oah, and lighted by his lamp. labor for the reformation and improvement of mankind? k Reason has been given unto all men; but all do not know how 4”’ CaM—I do. to use it. That is a science that must be learned. Liberty is offered M. of 0.—In the character of a Freemason, hast thou earnestly to all; but all have not the power to be free. That is a right which striven to discharge all the duties required of thee, and to live we must conquer. Force is within the reach of alt men; but all men ‘1 worthily, act justly, and fear God? F A do not know how to lean upon it. That is a power, of which one Oand.—I have. 4 must possess himself. 4 M. of 0.—Hast thou, while a Freemason, done wrong to any one, M. of 0.—Be prepared now for admission to the inner mysteries! without making reparation, as far as was in thy power? ¾ Oand.—I have not. The M. of C. and Exp. now prepare the candidate. His right foot and M. of 0.—Dost thou solemnly swear, upon the holy Book of the 11 leg, to above the knee, his left foot his fight arm, to above the elbow, and his Law, and with thy heart open before God, and all its thoughts right breast are bared. A cord is passed three times around his waist. The M. of C. leads him by this cord, and the Exp. holds him by the left arm. legible to him, that these answers are true and sincere, without Thus prepared, he is conducted to the door of the Lodge. equivocation or double meaning, or any mental reservation what- The second apartment is now hung with scarlet; and all the officers and members are in their places. ever? The Exp. gives Ike battery of the degree, at the door. It is opened by tEe Cand,—E do. .1 Asst. Exp., who inquires: The Exp. then raises him and places him between the altar and the East, facing the East; and the G. M. of C. says: Asst. Exp.—Who seeks admission to this inner chamber of the sacred mysteries? M. of 0.—Thou desirest to know the ancient Hebrew mysteries. M. of 0.—Phinebas, the son of Eleazar the High-Priest, who, Thou seest above me the mystic triangle with the ancient Hebrew having been appointed to minister unto Adonai in the Priest’s of- letter Yod in the center. it is an emblem oe the Deity, familiar to fice, seeks to know the holy mysteries, and receive the indispensable our masters, the Tiabalists. Kneel, and offer silently up to God thy degree of Prince of the Tabernacle. prayers and thanksgivingI When thy prayer is ended, arise! Asst. Exp.—Ilas he attained the degree of Chief of the Taber- The Candidate kneels, prays in silence, and rises: nacle? M. of 0.—My brother, the initiate is he who possesses the lamp M. of 0,—He has. of Trismegistus, the cloak of Apollonius, and the staff oe the Asst. li7xp.—Has he, as a Mason, earnestly striven to discharge Patriarchs. al] the duties required of him, and to live worthily, act justly, and The lamp is reason enlightened by science; the cloak is liberty, fear God? or the full and entire possession of one’s self, which isolates the M. of 0.—He has. sage from the currents of instinct; and the staff is the assistance Asst. Exp.—llas he wronged any one, without afterward making of the occult and eternal forces of nature. reparation, as far as hath been in his power? The lamp lights the present, the past, and the future, which are Al. of 0.—He hath not. the three sides of the one triangle. It burns with a three-fold flame; Asst. Exp.—Art thou actuated, in seeking to know the mysteries, the cloak is in three folds; and the staff is divided into three parts. by a sincere desire to be thereby better able to serve God, your This number, nine, is that of the reflexes of the Deity, and ex- country and your brethren, and more et’flciently to labor for the presses the Divine idea in all its abstract power. Hence it is sacred good of man? in Masonry. For that it was that Hermes made it the number of Oand.—I am. Asst. Exp.—Art thou not induced to come hither through idle. initiation; because the initiate reigns over superstition, and by 4 TWENTY.FOURTH DEGREE 269 268 TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE 4 The candidate is now halted in the North, near the Treas., who pours water curiosity or the pride of knowledge, and a desire to become the A on his head, and says: } superior of thy brethren and fellows’? Treas.—Thou hast reached the North. I test thee with water, Oand,—I am not. 4’ the second test. Let it ever remind thee that none but the pure of A set. Exp.—By what further right does he expect to gain ad- heart ci~n be admitted to the holy Tabernacle in the heavens; where mission here? ‘I God, who is infinite purity, presides; and tbat it is reformation M. of 0.—By the sacred word. and repentance, and not the blood of animals sacrificed, that wash Aset. Exp.—Has he the sacred word? out sin; of which reformation, the lavation of the body is a symbo]. Al. of 0.—He has. Then the candidate is again led once round the room, while the S. W. reads: Aest. Exp.—Let him give it. S. W.—The Priests, the sons of Levi, shall come near; for them M. of 0.—He can not, except with our assistance. A] Aest. Exp.—Let him begin then. the Lord thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in , * S the name of the Lord. Aset. Exp.—The word is right. Let him wait until the Most When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt Potent Leader is informed of his request. not delay to pay it; for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee, and it would be sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy The Asst. Exp. closes the door, goes to the front of the Tabernacle, and gives the battery; the M. P. asks the same questions, in substance, as were mouth thou shalt keep and perform. asked at the door; and like answers are returned; until he asks if the candi- I will raise me up a faithful Priest, who shall do according to date has the word; to which the Asst. Exp. answers: that which is in my heart and in my mind; and I will build him Aset. Exp.—He has, and with the aid of his guides has given it. a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed forever. M. P.—It is well. Since he comes endowed with these necessary The candidate is now halted in the South, near the Sec., who causes him to qualifications, let him enter, and be received in due form. kneel upon a place prepared for the occasion with sand and gravel, on his I’ naked right kuee, saying onto him: This is announced to the candidate, and he enters. When within the circle, he is stopped by the Asst. Exp., who takes his right arm, and holds a burning See.—Thou hast reached the South. I test thee with earth. It is if taper near enough to it to cause him to feel heat and pain, and says: the common mother, and to it our frail bodies return. It is well to Ass?. Lkrp—I test you by fire; and let this present pain ever kneel upon its bosom when we would implore the mercy and for- remind you that he who rashly assumes to perform offices for which giveness of God. Let the beneficence of the earth, which produceth he is unfit deserves the fate of Nadab and Abihu, who were con- generously and liberally, even for the unworthy, teach thee gen- sumed by lightning from heaven, when they offered strange fire erosity; and that the open hand is fit companion of the pure heart. II before the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai. Then the candidate is again led once round the room, while the M. P. reads: The ~kndidate is then led once round the room, while the J. W. reads: Al. P.—The pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set V J. W.—I will publish the name of God; ascribe ye grandeur unto the world upon them. He that ruleth over men must be just, our Elohim; His work is perfect; a]l His ways~are judgment. A God ruling in the fear of God. of truth, unmixed with evi], just and right is He. Arise, 0 Lord God! into thy resting-place, Thou, and the ark of There is none like unto the God of Israel, who rideth upon the thy strength. Let thy Priest, 0 Lord God! be clothed with salva- heaven in thy help, and in His Excellency on the sky. The eternal tion, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness! God is our refuge; under us are the everlasting arms. 0 send out thy light and thy truth! Let them lead me. Let He found Jacob in a desert land, and in the waste howling them bring me unto thy holy hill and to thy Tabernacle! Then will wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as I go unto the altar of God, the God of my life: unto whom the the apple of His eye. The Lord alone did lead him, and no strange shields of the earth belong, the Lord God of hosts. god was with him. -a I s~jV 270 TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE 271 The candidate is now halted in the West, near the Or., who says to him, while the winds rush by him; legally authorized to receive them; and when I am legally authorized to communicate them to him. Or.—Thou hast reached the West. I test thee with air, the life I furthermore promise and swear, that I will remember and of all men, the free, inestimable gift of God. Like Him it is mighty, heed the lessons which I have received in this degree; that I will be but invisible. Like Him it blesses us ever. Be thou liberal and generous and liberal to the poor, and just and impartial in public generous as the air, for if God freely gives thee light and air and and private judgsnent, even when deciding between myself and asks in return nothing but gratitude and whispered thanks, thou another; that I will not harbor malice nor seek revenge, but will mayest well afford to share thy plenty with thy destitute, afflicted, love my neighbor like myself, so far as human infirmity will allow; I and unfortunate Brother. Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies, and that I will not oppress or take usury of a brother. And should whence come you? I willfully violate this my obligation, I admit that I shall deserve I M. of C-—Out of darkness. to be consumed with fire from heaven, and that my ashes should Ott—And whither go you? be flung into the air, to be borne to the four corners of the earth M. of 0.—To the East, the place of light, and cradle of the by the winds; and may God aid me faithfully to keep and perform mysteries. this, my obligation! Or.—’When the soul has expiated its faults, it will have become sufficiently strong to depart from the external darkness of the ter- The candidate is then told to rise. He does so, and remains standing blindfolded before the altar. A brother in the vestibule reads, in a deep tone, restrial atmosphere, and to ascend toward the sun. What does this as follows: brother desire? Al. of 0.—To go the way that we have all gone before him, and Abel became a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the so attain the light. ground. It came to pass that Cain brought, of the fruit of the Or.—Every man who thinks is anGildipus, fated to divine the ground, an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, also, brought of enigma of the sphinx or to die. Every Initiate should be a Hercules, the firstlings of his flock. And the Lord had regard unto Abel completing and rounding the cycle of a great year of labors, and, and Abel and his offering; but unto Cain and his offering he had by sacrifices of the hdart and of life, deserving the triumphs of not regard. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance was apotheosis. Is this brother capable thereof? downcast. And the Lord said unto Cain: “Why art thou wroth, Al. of 0.—I hope he is. and why is thy countenance downcast? If thou doest well, canst Or.—The soul is immortal; but for the body, life cometh only thou not lift it up? But if thou does not well sin croucheth at the out of death; and death is birth to a new life. If he, indeed, desires door. Though unto thee be its desire, thou shouldst rule over it.” to see the light, shining in the darkness, and thus manifested, con- Cain spoke with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they duct hiw to the altar of sacrifices, and let him there assume the were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and proper obligation. slew him. The Candidate is now led to the altar of sacrifices, in front of the Taber- [n the meantime, all the lights are extinguished, except a single lamp or ii nacle, where he kneels on his right knee, facing the East, holding by each candle; and, as the reading concludes, three brethren, clothed in black and >0 hand a horn of the altar. The point of a sword is placed against his naked wearing black masks, rush in, seize the candidate, in silence, tear the bandage right breast. Ia this attitude he repeats the following from his eyes, and hurry him into the vestibule, where they force him into a coffin, placed on the floor in the middle of the room. They then throw a black cloth aver his body, leaving the face uncovered, and withdraw. Both apart- OBLIGATION ments are now entirely dark. All is silent for a time, and then mournful voices are heard in the second apartment, saying, from different quarters of the room, I, , in the presence of the true God, do most solemnly and as follows: sincerely promise and swear; that I will never reveal to any person 1st Voice—. . . Osiris, the god of light, is slain. The spirit of in the world the secrets of this degree, unless it be to one who is evil hath conquered, and darkness prevails over the earth. ‘A A IA 272 TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE 273 2d Voice—... Typhon hath cast the body in a coffin upon the waters; and Isis and Horus go in search of it, mourning, over the into the second apartment, and placed upon the floor in the center, with its head to the East. By this time the room will have been changed, by dropping earth. hangings entirely black on the inside of the columns. Theie is still but a

3rd Voice—. . . Cama is slain by Iswara, and committed to the single dim light. At the head of the coffin is set an artificial tree of the thorny tamarisk or the acacia. The Princes now assume their seats, in perfect silence, waves. The wintry iionstellations laugh for joy; and the earth all covered with black robes or mantles, entirely concealing their jewels and is wrinkled with cold, and shudders at the darkness. regalia. Then the M. P. speaks: 4th Voice—.. - Ahriman has prevailed over Ormuzd. The six evil days cry aloud for joy; and the three thousand years of evil, Al. P.—My brethren, the power of darkness has prevailed over sorrow, and darkness commence. the prince of light. The earth mourns, and is wrinkled with frost. The leaves drop from the trees; snow shrouds the mountains, and 5th Voice—. . . Atys is slain in Phrygia, and his body remains without sepulture, while all the land is cursed with barrenness, and cold winds sweep over the shuddering skies. All nature laments; Cybele seeks him, weeping, on the plains and among the mountains and we share the common sorrow. Excellent Senior Warden, let that resound with the clashing of her cymbals. prayers be offered up in the tabernacle for the return of light and the reascension of the Sun, and of that moral and spiritual light 6th Voice—. . . Thammuz, mutilated by the wintry boar in ii of which he is the type. 4- Phcenicia, has descended to the shades, and left the world to mourn. Astarte, wearing the crescent, sitting with veiled head on Mount S. W.—Most Potent, all the nations of the earth do fast and Libanus, besieges heaven with prayers for his return. pray. Our ancient tashmasters on the banks of the Nile mourn for

7th Voice—. - . Dionusos is slain by the giants; and the women Osiris. The Chaldeans lament for Eel, and the Pho2nicians for mourn his death in the Etruscan forests and upon the Syrian Thammuz. The Plirygian women clash their cymbals and weep for mountains; and all the malignant signs of the zodiac rejoice. Atys; on the Syrian hills and over the Etruscan plains the virgins lament for Dionusos; while far in India the Brahmans pray for 8th Voice—. . . Mithras is dead, is dead. His body lies in the the return of Cama; and in Persia the Blagi predict the resurrection A’ tomb, and the Magi weep over it, and chant their funeral hymns, while the shadows of night gather over them, and all Persia and of Mithras. The dead nill risc again, as the wheat grows from the Armenia mourn; but his suffering shall be the safety of the dis- grain; and all the world will then rejoice. consolate. Al. P.—We, like our ancient master, mourn Osiris; the type lo —I us of the sun, of light, of life. The scorpion and the serpent rule 1st Voice—. . . Let us cry unto the Lord! Adonai Elohim, give us light! the winter waves on which the frail ark tosses that contains his body. Weep, my brethren, for Osiris! Weep for light lost, and 24 Voice—.. . See our tears, El-Shaddai, most mighty and vie- torius! Save us from the darkness, and restore us to thy favor! life departed, and the good and beautiful oppressed by evil! Man hath fallen from his first estate, and is lost, as the sun hath sunken 3rd Voice—. . . Have mercy upon us, Adon-Tsabaoth, Lord of the stZi~ry hosts of heaven, and author of our existence! Have into the icy arms of winter. Weep for Osiris, type of the good, the mercy, Al-I(hanan, Lord of mercy! true, the beautiful! How shall his body be recovered from the embraces of the hungry sea; and earth again be gladdened by his 4th Voice—, . . Thou art the most high, 0 Aliun! Thou art the fire, 0 Al, whose titles are Adar and Aish-Gebah! Thou art the presence? light, 0 BIalec-Alohim! Lift upon us the light of thy countenance! J. W.—Most Potent, nine Princes offer to go forth and search for the body of Osiris. 5th Voice—. . - Guide our footsteps, and direct us in the right path, 0 Lord our God. lo Nissi! Be merciful unto us, and with Al. P.—Let them go forth, my brother, by threes, to the East, thy great light drive back the powers of darkness! the West and the South, and make diligent search; while we continue in fasting and prayer. During these last lamentations and cries, resounding from different directions, in mournful and piercing toiies, the coffin is taken up and carried The brethren walk around, as if searching for the body, and after a time they gather round the coffin; and one says: 9~-i 9

Al 274 TWENTY FOURTH DEGREE TWENTY-FOURTH DEGEtEE 275 Behold, my brethren, the body of Osiris under this spreading The M. P. raising his arms as before: tamarisk. M. P.—O Lord, my God! Science fails us; and I fear the Mas- Each of the brethren makes the first sign, and says: ter’s word is forever lost. Brother Senior Warden, can this body

Ii God wills it. be raised to new life by the grip of a Fellow-Craft? Then a brother says: S. W.—Most Potent Leader, it cannot. By logical formulas and Cover the face, my brethren, and let us hasten to return, and dialectics it is not possible to demonstrate the existence of the soul, IA make known to the Most Potent Leader that we have found the much less its immortality. Logic, like science, leads only to skep- body. ticism, and substitutes words in the place of thoughts. The M. P., raising his arms as before, says: They cover the face and return to the East, and the Exp. says: Al. P.—O Lord, my God, reason fails us; and I fear the Master’s Exp.—Most Potent Leader, searching by the sea-shore, we have word is forever lost. My brethren, assist me in endeavoring to raise I, found the body of Osiris cast on shore at Byblos, and concealed by a tamarish tree, which, by the wonderful virtue of the body, had this body by the Masters grip, called by our ancient masters the I’ grown up around it in a night. lion’s, and the symbol of faith. 99 Al. P.—Summon the Princes in your several camps, Princes, He takes off the covering, grasps the right hand of the Candidate with his --7 right, places his left under his right shoulder, and with the assistance of the chiefs of the three houses, to attend us while we repair to Byblos; •‘/ I two Wardens, raises him to his feet, by the Master’s grip, and whispers in for It is promised that the dead shall rise again. / I his ear, in English, the true triliteral sacred word, on the five points of fellowship. 1’ Treas.—Prinees of the house of Merari, the body of the great King Osiris is found at Byblos. The Most Potent Leader is about Or—Osiris is risen again, and prevails against the powers of 1- to repair thither to give it burial, and commands you to attend him. darkness. Orpheus and Dionusos return from the shades, Cama Sec—Princes of the house of Kohath, the body, etc. and Atys rise again; and Adonai reigns henceforth in heaven. Or.—Prinees of the house of Gershon, the body, etc. I’ J. W.—The Sun turns back from the South, and darkness flees The brethren form a procession, and make the circuit of the room three before him. To-day is the great feast of the winter solstice. times halting ~.fterward in a circle round the coffin. In the meantime, the S. W.—The reign of light and life has recommeneed. The feet red hangings are substituted for the black, the hanging,. curtain in front of of the young spring shine afar off upon the mountains; and the the Tabernacle is raised, and the incense prepared to he lighted on the altar of perfumes. The bread ~and wine, with the oil, on the table of shew-bread, bull and ram lead on the glittering constellations. Let all the world are also uncovered, and the seven lamps of the candelabrum prepared to be rejoice! The reign of evil ends; and the good principle is victorious. quickly lighted. Then the M. P., standing in the circle, at the foot of the Let earth and heaven be glad! coffin, the S. W. being at the head, on the South side, and the J. W. opposite him on~the North side, says: Or—The seed dies, and out of its death springs the young shoot of the new wheat, to produce a hundred-fold. Al. P.—[Raising both hands toward heaven, the palms to the J. W.—The worm dies in its narrow prison-house, woven by front] —It is the body. No man hath power over the spirit, neither itself, and out of its death springs the brilliant moth, emblem of power in the day of death. There is no discharge in that war. Man immortality. cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name is S. W.—The deadly serpent dies, and self-renews its own exist- covered With darkness. Brother Junior Warden, can this body be ence; and out of the death of night’s sleep comes the renewed life raised to new life by the grip of an Entered Apprentice? of the morning. J. W.—Most Potent Leader, it cannot. By the process of in- duction, from experience of facts made known to us by the testi- The M. P., releasing the Candidate, who remains standing: mony of the senses, it is not possible to prove the existence of the M. P.—Now, as ever, out of death springs life; out of darkness soul, much less its immortality. ever comes the light; and to the evil, in eternal circle, good succeeds. TWENTY-FOURTH DIE~G1~Efl TWENTY-FOURTH DEGREE 277 Behold the profound truth of the Hindu idea of the Godhead; God, Except a ~nan be born again of water and of the spirit, he can three in one—the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer; the not enter into the kingdom of God. three sides of Lhe triangle; the one only absolute, developing himself in three modes, and those modes one harmony. God said to Moses, of Phinehas, Ben-Eleazar, Ben-Aaron: ‘‘I Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies, invest the candidate with give unto him my covenant of peace. And he shall have it, and his the secret words, signs and tokens. seed after him; the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.” V Brethren, behold a new Priest of the Tabernacle, to be instructed The M. of C. invests the candidate with and prepared to fulfill all his duties as a prince of well-doers in this frail tabernacle of life that he may be raised on the great day of account, a shining monument of God’s glory, in the tabernac]e P. V. & S. V. of eternity. After he is invested with the secrets, the M. P. says: TO CLOSE M. P—The Pentagram, which you see in the East, called in the M P.—Excellent Brother Junior Warden, what is the hour? Gnostic schools and in Masonry ‘‘The Blazing Star,” is the sign J. W.—Most Potent Leader, that of the evening sacrifice. of intellectual omnipotence and autocracy. M. P.—Chief of the house of Merari, what tidings hast thou in It is the star of the Magi; it is the symbol of the word made the North? flesh; and, according as its rays are directed~ it represents good or Treas.—Most Potent Leader, Balder, slain by Lok, has arisen evil, order or disorder, the blessed lamb of Ormuzd and St. John, from the dead; and the nations of the North rejoice, for the long or the accursed goat of Mendes, the scape-goat of Leviticus, con- nights of winter shorten. secrated to Azazel. M. P.—Chief of the house of Kohath, what tidings hast thou in It is the condition of the Initiate, or that of the profane; Lucifer the South? or Vesper, the Morning or the Evening Star. Sec.—Most Potent Leader, Osiris, slain by Typhon, is restored It is Mary or Lilith; victory or death; light or darkness. to life; and the dwellers on the banks of the Ni]e, the Euphrates~ When it elevates two points it represent Satan, or the goat and the Ganges are glad; for light begins to prevail against devoted to Azazel. When it elevates a single point or ray, it repre- darkness. sents the Saviour. 211. P.—Chief of the house of Gershon, what tidings hast thou The complete understanding of the Pentagram is the key of the in the West? two worlds. It is called the symbol of Lhe microcosm. It is abso- Or.—MosI Potent Leader, Hu, slain by Ceridwen, and cast upon lute natural philosophy and science. the stormy waters, is again a] ive; and the people of the Western In~{he center of this blazing star Freemasons place the letter G. Islands celebrate the winter solstice. It signifies gnosis and generation, the two sacred words of the M. P —Thus everywhere the principle of good prevails and men ancient Kabala; and also the Grand Architect; for the Pentagram, rejoice. My brethren, the fast is over, and the feasts commence. whichever way we view it, presents the letter A. It is time to close this Court of Princes of the Tabernacle. Assist Th.e star of honor, substituted by ~apoleon for the cross of me, my brethren, to do so. St. Louis, was the Pentagram substituted for the labarum; the All give the sign of closing. The M. P. gives the battery of the deg”ee. reinstatement of the symbol of light; the Masonic resurrection of The S. W. and J. W. do thi~ same in succession; and the M. P. declares the Adoniram. Court closed. The winged-globes the scaraba~us and the butterfly, on the ribbon of~ the brethren, and the myrtle-tree on the apron, are all symbols of~ immortality. Ii TWENTY-FIFTH DEGREE 279

cross is engraved the word HoLaTal, [he has suffered or been wounded], and on the arms the word Ne-Hush-Tan [the Brazen Serpent],. The apron is white, lined and edged with black; the white side spotted with golden stars, and the black side with silver ones. TWENTY-FIFTH DEGREE—KNIGHT OF THE BRAZEN II, SERPENT TO OPEN M. P.—Brethren and Knights, the day and the hour have TIlE LODGE, ITS DECORATIONS, ETC. arrived, and I propose to open here a Council of Knights of the Brazen Serpent for mutual instruction and the performance of The Lodge, in this degree is styled The Council. It represents the our duties. Be pleased to clothe yourselves; and wait, each in his camp of the Israelites at Punon, on the eastern side of the mountains of Hor, Seir or Edom, in Arahia Petraca on the confines of Idumaca, after station, the customary orders! the death of Aaron, when the new moon occurred at the vernal equinox, All clothe themselves; and the officers assume their stations. in the fortieth year of the wandering of the children of Israel in the desert. M. P.—Respectable Brother Expert, it is our first duty to know The camp, standards and tabernacle with its court, are as in the two that we are secure from intrusion. See that the guards are stationed, Ii preceding degrees. In the East is a transparency on which is printed a cross, with a serpent coiled round it and over the arms. and inform them that we are about to open this Council, that they On the right of the presiding officer is a short column, on which is a may keep due ward. winged-globe encircled by a serpent. On the left of the Senior Warden rap—Respectable Brother Grand Captain of the Guards, see and right of the Junior Warden are similar columns, on each of which is that the guards are stationed, inform them that the Most Potent a serpent or basilisk, his body coiled in folds, and his head and neck erect Leader is about to open this Council, and direct them to keep due above the folds. The globe and all the serpents are gilded. The presiding officer represents Moses, and is styled ‘‘Most Potent ward. Leader.” The Senior Warden, sitting in the West, on the left hand, rep- The C. of U. goes out, returns, gives the alarm of the degree, which is resents Joshua, the son of Nun; and the Junior Warden, in the West, on answered from without, and reports: the right hand, represents Caleb, the son of Yephanah. The former is styled ‘‘Most Valiant Captatn ol the Host’’; and the latter, ‘‘Illustrious 0. of 0.—Respectable Brother Expert, the Guards are stationed Chief Prince of the Tribes.’’ The Orator sits on the right of the Most and we are secure against intrusion. Potent Leader, represents Eleazar, the son of Aaron, and is styled “Most Exp.—Most Potent Leader, the guards are stationed, and we Excellent High-Priest.” He wears the full dress of the High-Priest, as are secure against intrusion. prescribed in the two preceding degrees. The Secretary represents Ithamar, the son oF Aaron, sits on the right M. P,—Illustrious Brother Chief Prince tf the Tribes, are all oF thej~residing officer, at the side of the hail, a little to the front, and presefit Knights of the Brazen Serpent? Be certain of that, by is styled ‘‘Excellent Scribe.’’ He wears the Priest’s dress, as prescribed receiving the password From each. in previous degrees. The Treasurer represents Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, sits on the The J. W. goes round, receives the pass-word from each member, returns left of the presiding officer, at the side of the hall, a little to the front, to his station, and says: and is styled ‘‘Excellent Recorder.” He also wears the Priest’s dress, J. W.—Most Potent Leader, all present have the pass-word, as prescribed. and are Knights of the Brazen Serpent. The Expert sits on the south side, and the Assistant Expert on the M. P.—Thanks, my brother! Most Valiant Brother Grand Cap- P north side of the Tabernacle; the Grand Master of Ceremonies in front of the Senior Warden, and the Grand Captain of the Guards near the tam of the Host, what is the hour? door of the entrance. These brethren are all styled “Respectable”; and S. W.—Most Potent Leader, it is the dawn of the morning of the other members are addressed as “Brother and Knight A,~’ or “B.” the vernal equinox. The God-like child sits upon the waters in the The jewel is a tau cross, of gold, surmounted by a circle—the Crux gates of the Orient; while the earth awaits to rejoice at the blessing Ansata—round which a serpent is entwined. On the upright part of the [278] 280 TWENTY-FIFTH DEGREE All TWENTY-FIFTH DEGREE Ilk 281 of his smiles. The circle surmounted by the crescent shines in the IlL heavens; the sun and the new moon, in conjunction, open the New S. W.—Mars rises and shines in our Council: the planet of force, Year and the Chaldean Saros; while, blushing and reluctant, the and symbol of Netsaeh, the seventh emanation of the Kabalists. V beautiful star Amalthea rises with the sun. M. P. then advances ond lights the central light, saying: M. P,—Sinee that is the hour, it is time to open this Council. ‘9— S. W.—Illustrious Brother Chief Prince of the Tribes, it is the M. P.—The sun rises and shines in our Council: the planet of A A pleasure of the Most Potent Leader that this Council be now C faith, and symbol of the second emanation of the Kabalists, Choch- opened, in order that the duties incumbent upon us here may be mah, or the infinite wisdom: Osiris; the beneficent Ormzud; type performed. This you will make known to the Knights, that they, of the principle of good and light; Dionusos, and Khurum the Architect. having due notice, may aid in opening the same. - J. D.—JRappingi +++J—Knights and Masons, you will be Then the Ill. P. returns to his station, and the S. W. and J. W. to theirs; pleased to give due attention, while the Most Potent Leader with and the M. P. says: - our aid opens this Counci] ; that we may here proceed to perform M. P—Answer me, Knights and brethren! the duties that devolve upon us. M. P-—Let the seven mystic lights dispel the darkness of the And gives the first sign. All the officers and brethren reply with the third P1 Council! sign. Then the M. P. gives the battery, and the S. W. and J. W. do the same The M, P. and J. W., leaving their seats, enter the Tabernacle, and light in succession; and the M. P. declares the Council to be duly opened, ‘‘under in succession the three lights on each side of the central light, each saying, the auspices,’’ etc., by the ordinary formula. respectively, as he does so, as follows: J. W., lighting the extreme light on the West: RECEPTION J. W.—The moon rises and shines in our Council: the planet of The candidate is prepared in the proper room, by putting upon him, over hope, and symbol of Binah, the third emanation of the Kabalists. his ordinary clothing, a plain white robe, with sleeves, that reaches to his feet; and over that investing him with the ribbon, girdle, apron and jewel S. FAf W., lighting the extreme light on the East: of the twenty-fourth degree. Being thus prepared by M. of 0., he is conducted to the door of the Lodge S. W.—Saturn rises and shines in our Council: the planet of by the same, who there gives the alarm by the battery of the degree. temperance, and symbol of Geburah, the fifth emanation of the Kabalists. C. of 0.—Respectable Brother Expert, there is an alarm at the J. W., lighting the second light on the West: door of the Council, by the mysterious numbers. L’xp.—Most Valiant Grand Captain of the Host, there is, etc. J. W.—Mercury rises and shines in our Council: the planet of i. S. W.—Attend the alarm, Respectable Brother Expert, and see prudertee, and symbol of Khased, the fourth emanation of the Kabalists. who it is that comes with the mysterious numbers, ‘I S. W., lighting the second light on the East: The Exp. goes to the door, opens it partly, and asks: S. W.—Jupiter rises and shines in our Council: the planet of Exp.—Who is it that comes hither with the mysterious numbers? justice, and symbol of Hod, the eighth emanation of the Kabalists. M. of 0.—The Grand Master of Ceremonies, with a well-deserv- J. W., lighting that next the sun, on the West: ing Prince of the Tabernacle, who asks to be permitted to ascend another step toward the mysteries of the Kabala, that he may in J. W.—Venus rises and shines in our Council: Hesperus and Lucifer; the p]anet of charity, and symbol of Tephareth, the sixth due time understand the symbolism of the ten Sephiroth. emanation of the Kabalists. L’xp.—Has he duly prepared himself, by study and reflection, to advance? S. W., lighting that next the sun, on the East: M. of 0.—He has. 99A’IA ‘A;

282 TWENTY-FIFTH DEGREE ‘1 TWENTY-FIFTH DEGREE 283 1’ Exp—Is he one who maybe safely entrusted with ouI~’ mysterious him to intercede with God, who is greatly angered, that He may [9 secrets? forgive and spare them. M. of 0.—He is. C. of 0.—Who art thou, and in what right dost thou claim ad- Exp.—Then let him wait a time, with faith in himself and us, mission? until the Most Potent Leader is informed of his request, and his Rxp.—I am Eliab, the son of Pallu, of the tribe of Reuben, in will ascertained. sackcloth and loaded with chains, in token of the penitence of the L} Exp. closes the door, advances half-way to the Tabernacle, faces the West, people, who flee in terror before the fiery serpents that Adonai hath and says: sent among them to destroy them. Exp—Most Valiant Brother Grand Captain of the Host, it is The C. of 0. closes the door, and reports to the S. W.: A’ the Grand Master of Ceremonies, with a well-deserving Prince of C. of G.—Nlost Valiant Grand Captain of the Host, it is one the Tabernacle, etc. [Continuing this, and the same questions and of the people of Israel, in sackcloth and loaded with chains, in token answers being asked and given as at the door. I of the penitence of the people, who seeks admission that he may S. W.—Most Potent Leader, it is, etc. [The same questions pray the Most Potent Leader to intercede with God, that He may being asked and answers returned as at the door, and at the last forgive and spare them; for that they flee in terror before the fiery answer, M. P. saying:] serpents that He hath sent among them to destroy them. M. P.—Since the Prince of the Tabernacle comes thus vouched S. W.—Most Potent Leader, one of the people of Israel waits for, let him enter and be seated in the West. without, in sackcloth and loaded with chains, etc. He is introduced, and seated in front of the Wardens, facing the East. M. P.—Let him be admitted and led into our presence. The Exp. enters, is received by the M. of 0., and led to a point half- S. W.—You desire to attain the light. You can only advance way between the Tabernacle and the East, wkere he is halted, facing the East. toward its source and essence, which are of the Deity. So much of the truth as it is given to mortals to know is within M. P.—Who art thou, and what dost thou seek? Eliab, the reach of those alone whose intellects are unclouded by passion Exp—Most Potent Leader, I am the son of Pallu, of the or excess. To attain it, to comprehend the delicate distinctions of tribe of Reuben; and ii come hither in behalf of the people, who the thought in which, the truth is embodied, the intellect, like a dare not approach the Tabernacle, because the Lord is greatly keen instrument of the finest steel, must be able to dissect the angered with them. thought, and distinguish one from the other its invisible nerves. M. P.—Ah, disobedient and stiff-necked race! How have they again tempted I-us anger? [I The edge of the instrument is blunted by the indulgence of the sensua~appetites, of the intemperate passions of the soul. Exp—Most Potent Leader, the soul of the people was discour- aged, because of the way, journeying from Mount 2Hor, by way The Exp. having’retired, previous to the entrance of the candidate, and of the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom; and they spoke prepared himself by putting on a garment of sackcloth and a chain round his waist and over his shoulders, now raps at the door with three loud distinct against Adonai and against thee, saying: “Why hath El-Shaddai knocks. The S. W. says: and his servant Moses brought us up out of Egypt, to die in the wilderness? There is no bread, nor any water, and our souls loathe W.—Brother Grand Captain of the Guard, see S. who comes, and this light manna. We go to and fro these forty years; and as what he seel~s. Aaron died in the desert so also shall we all die here. Let us The C. of G. opening the door partly: put trust in Adonai no longer; but let us call on the great gods C. of G—Who comes here, and what is it he seeks? Amun and Astarte, Osiris and Isis, to deliver us from this misery.’’ Exp—One of the people of Israel, to inform the Most Potent And as they cried aloud on them, lo! Adonai sent fiery serpents Leader of a great calamity that has befallen him; and to pray among them, by whom much people hath died. And those that 284 TWENTYFJFTH DEGREE TWENTY-FIFTH DEGB~E 285 remain have repented and said unto me: “Put chains upon thy Cand.—I am. neck in token of our penitence, and go unto Moses our leader, and M. P.—Return, then, to the West, and be prepared, that thou beseech him to pray unto Adonai that he take away the serpents mayest speedily go forth upon thy mission, from us”; and I have done as they desired. The candidate returns to the West, and wails, after his shoes and stock M. P.—Hast thou also murmured and called upon the false gods? ings are removed, and a white robe is put on him until the proper moment. Exp.—I withstood the people and rebuked them, and they sought The M. P. goes to the Tabernacle, enters it, remains awhile, and returns to the East, bringing with him a serpent of brass, entwined round a tau cross, to slay me; but repenting sent me hither. with its head elevated above it. When he takes his seat, M. P—Thou hast done well. Relieve him of his chains, and have give him a seat oE honor; for he hath not forgotten his duty to M. P.—I prayed for the people, and Adonai hath said God. unto me: “Make thee an image of a venomous springing serpent, and set it upon a pole; and it shall come to pass that every one The Exp. is relieved of the sackcloth and chains, and repairs to his -place that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.’’ Take thou, in the Lodge; and the M. P. says: therefore Eleazar, the IBigh-Priest, this serpent and cross, and give M. P.—Most Excellent High-Priest, take a censer, and put fire it to the Prince of the Tabernacle, who now waits in the West. therein Erom off the altar, and pot on incense, and make an atone- Let him place it upon a pole, and go forth to the congregation, bare- ment for the congregation, for there is wrath gone out from the foot, and clothed in a white robe, and set it in the middle of the Lord. camp, and make proelamaltion that every one that is bitten, when he The Or. goes into the Tabernacle, puts incense on a censer and lights it, looketh upon it, shall live; for the Lord is long-suffering, and of and stands between the Tabernacle and the East, bearing it in his hand. great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgressions, and hast for- M. P—Most Valiant Grand Captain of the Host, thou hast in given His people, from Egypt even until now. the West a Prince of the Tabernacle, who seeks to be permitted to The Or. takes the cross and serpent, goes to the West, and puts it in the ascend another step toward the mysteries of the Kabala. Let him hands of the candidate. The M. of C. assists him to make it fast upon a long approach the East, that he may see if he be worthy to receive that rod; and they then go out together. After remaining without for awhile, and such scene being represented as favor. ‘will best convey an idea of that described on the Mount, they retuin, and The candidate, conducted by the M. of C., is led to the East, and placed, advance to the East, leaving the cross and serpent in the anteroom. When they standing, in front of, and facing the Most Potent Leader, -who says: are in front of the East, M. P.—My brother, life is a war, in which one must prove his M. of 0.—Most Potent Leader, great is Adonai the God of soldiership, in order to rise in rank. Force is not given. It has Mercy; for he hath had mercy on his people Israel. This Prince to be seized. of the Tabernacle hath gone fearlessly into the midst of the camp, Hetis only worthy oE initiation in the profounder mysteries who among the fiery serpents, bearing the brazen cross and serpent, has overcome the fear oE death, and is ready to hazard his life when symbols of everlasting life; and every one that hath beheld the the welfare of his country or the interests of humanity require it; serpent, owning his sin and doing homage to the Most High, is and to die even an ignoble death, if thereby the people may be healed, and liveth; and the plague of the serpent is stayed. benefited. M. P.—Praise ye the Lord, my children, the supporter of the Art thou ready to give that proof, and submit to that test, of heavens and the earth,! for he is great and his mercy endureth for- thy fitness for initiation? ever, and he hath forgiven his people Israel. Cand—I am. M. P.—The plague of serpents is stayed; and as they have fled M. P.—Art thou prepared to go, barefoot and unarmed, among to their caves, so the celestial serpent flees, with the scorpidn, before the venomous fiery serpents, if thereby thou canst turn away the the glittering stars of Orion. The great festival of the vernal equinox anger of the Lord, and save the remnant of IBis people? approaches, and it is time to prepare ourselves by purification for ‘Vt 287 286 TWENTY-FiFTH DEOBEE TWENTY-FIFTH DEqBEE lji the Passover. Light will soon prevail once more over darkness; M. P—May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, provide IItt and the pulses of life again beat in the bosom of the earth, long a man that may be over this multitude; that may go out and in chilled by the wintry frosts. before them, and lead them out and bring them in; lest the people ‘ft S. W.—Most Potent Leader, what shall be done with the brazen of the Lord be as sheep without a shepherd. cross and serpent when the people again set forth upon their way? M. P.—Receive now the signs, words and tokens of this degree. M. P.—Let it be borne before the congregation, and be forever The candidate is caused to approach the East, by 9 serpentine steps, ad- a symbol of faith, by the dying out whereof in the hearts of nations, It they fall into decay; and lest the knowledge of its true symbolic vancing first the right foot; and the M. P. then communicates to him the meaning should in time be lost, and the people hereafter imagine it p. V. & S. V. to be something divine, and worship it, we will perpetuate its remembrance of this day ‘s events, and the true meaning of this The M. P. then invests the candidate with the apron, collar and jewel of the degree, saying: and our other symbols, and of the fables of Osiris and Ormuzd, and Typhon and Ahrixnan, as the last degree of those sacred mysteries M. P.—I do accept and receive you a Knight of the Brazen which Joseph, the son of Jacob, like myself, learned from the Serpent; and I invest you with the apron, collar, and jewel of Egyptians; and which I have taught to you, such as our forefathers the degree. practiced them on the plains of Chalda~a. TO CLOSE Kneel, therefore, my children, and with me swear, in the presence of the Most High God, faithfully to keep the secrets of M. P.—Most Valiant Brother Grand Captain of the Host, what this degree, and to perform the duties and practice the lessons is the hour? j which it inculcates. S. XV.—Most Potent Leader, the eveniA’~ twilight. The Ple- iades, Aldebaran and the three kings of Orion have sunk in the The candidate kneels at the altar of sacrifices, and all the brethren in a circle around him, on one knee; and all repeat the follo~ving western ocean, and Perseus rises with the Scorpion in the East. M. P.—Then it is time to close this Chapter, until light, ever OBLIGAT ION alternating with darkness, as good with evil and happiness with sorrow, again obtains the mastery. How shall we be safe while I, ——-, do solemnly promise and swear, in the presence of the Most High God, that I will never reveal the secrets of this degree evil and darkness frown from their gloomy thrones upon the earth? of Knight of the Brazen Serpent, nor allow them or any of them S. W.—By faith in God’s providence and presence. to be revealed, if it be in my power to prevent it, to any person M. P—Right, my brother! Give notice that this Council is in the world who shall not be duly entitled to receive them, nor now about to close, that the brethren may rest from their labors. without,~due authority so to disclose them, lawfully obtained. S. W.—IllnstriOu5 Brother Chief Prince of the Tribes, make known to the brethren that the Most Potent Leader is about to I furthermore promise and swear by the faith that is taught to me in this degree that I will at all times be ready to risk my life close this Council, that, while the Scorpion reigns in heaven with in the cause of a friend, of my country, or of humanity, when the the serpent, they may rest from their labors. J. W.—Brethren, the Most Potent Leader is about to close this obligations of friendship, or patriotism, or duty demand it. To all whereof II bind myself, under no less penalty than that Council, that while the Scorpion and serpent reign in heaven, you may rest from your labors. Rest, therefore, until Aldebaran again of being held base and unworthy, and tortured by the fiery ser- leads up the starry hosts. pents of remorse and an accusing conscience forever! So help me God! and aid me to keep these promises! Amen! The S. W., 3. W. and M. P., each in succession, rap as in the opening; the When the oblig~tion is concluded, all except the candidate rise. He re- sign is given, ~nd the M. P. declares the Council closed. mains kneeling; and the M. P. says: V TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE 289 TO OPEN p1 M. E.—Excellent Senior Warden, I am about to open thus Chap- ter of Princes of Mercy, in the Inner Chamber of the Mysteries. TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE—PRINCE OF MERCY, Satisfy yourself that alt present are entitled to remain. OR SCOTTISH TRINITARIAN The S. W. goes round and receives the pass-word of the degree from each brother, returns to his station and says: DECORATIONS, ETC. S. W.—Most Excellent, all present are of the faithful; arid have Bodies of this degree arc styled Chapters. The hangings are green, passed through the three degrees of the Mysteries. supported by nine colurniis, alternately whi ~e and red; upon each of M. K—Brother Junior Deacon, the first duty of a Chapter of which is a chandelier, holding nine lights. The canopy over the throne Princes of Mercy, when assembled? is green, white and red; and before the throne is a table covered with J. D.—To see that the Chapter is duly guarded. the cloth of the same colors. Over the throne bangs a triple interlaced M. E.—Perform that duty! and inform the Captain of the triangle of broad bars, two of which are white and one black; and in its center the letter M. Instead of a gavel, the presiding officer uses an Guards that we are about to open this Chapter of Princes of Mercy! aiTow, the plume of which is red on one side and green on the other The 3. D. goes out, returns, closes the door, gives the alarm of the degree, the spear white, and the point gilded. By the altar is a statue or statnette of white marble, the naked figure which is answei ad from without, returns to his place, and says: of a virgin. Over ]t is a drapery of thin white gauze. This represents J. D.—Most Excellent, the guards are at their posts; and their Truth, and is the palladium of the Order of Princes of Mercy. Captain is duly warned. The altar, placed in the center of the room, is of a triangular shape, each side measuring 18 inches, and its height being 36 inches. The top M. E.—Who commands the guards? is a plate of metal, galvanized to appear like gold, on which, formed of J. D.—One who has assumed the name and emulates the fidelity different colored stones, is E. P. C.; and under that a passion cross, on of Ulric the Goth, over whose body the soldiers of Domitian made either side of which, above the arms, are the letters J. V. At each corner their way into a Lodge of Christian Masons. is a flame of brass. M. E.—We may then safely proceed. Excellent Brother Senior The presiding officer is styled ‘‘Most Excellent Chief Prince.’’ The Wardens, ‘‘Excellent Senior Warden’’ and ‘‘Excellent Junior Warden, are you a Prince of Mercy? Warden.” S. W.—I have seen the luminous delta, and become one of the The Expert and Assistant Expert are styled “Respectable Senior and faithful by means of the Triple Covenant of which we bear the Junior Deacons.’’ mark. The Captain of the Guards is styled “Valiant Guard of the Pal- M. E.—What is the Triple Covenant? ladium”; and the Tyler, “Captain of the Guards.” The~other officers are styled ‘‘Venerable.” S. W.—That made with Noah, when God set his bow in the The apron is scarlet, with a wide border of white. In the center is heavens; that made with Abraham for him and his descendants; an equilateral triangle, the bars forming the sides of which are green. and that made with all the earth, that the day should come when In the center of this is the jewel, embroidered in gold. The flap is sky- light, truth, and happiness should be victorious over darkness, error, blue. and misery. The jeuel is an equilateral triangle, of bars of gold, with a flaming M. E.—-Where did our ancient brethren raeet to celebrate the heart of gold, in the center. On the heart are the letters I. H. S.; and on the respective sides of the triangle W. on the right, F. on the left, mysteries? and H. at the bottom. This jewel is suspended from a small collar of S. W.—In the great temple at Elephanta, and the secret cham- narrow, watered purple ribbon, and hangs on the breast. bers of that of Buddha at Salsette; in the roofless fanes of Persia; The Tessera, or mark, given to the initiate, is a small fish, of ivory in the forest temples of the Druids; in the pyramids of Memphis; or mother of pearl, on one side of which is E. P. C., and on the other in the vaults of Crete and Samothrace; in the great temple of G. 0. M. E. L. [288] 290 TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE 2911

Eleusis; under the holy of holies at Jerusalem; and in the cata- they may take due notice thereof, and aid us in the p~rformance combs under Rome. of our duties. M. F.—What does our Lodge represent? S. W.—Excellent Brother Junior Warden, it is the pleasure of S. W.—The catacombs. the Most Excellent Chief Prince that this Chapter be now opened. M. E.—Whom do we imitate in this degree? You will, therefore, so announce to all the Princes, that having S. W.—The Christian Masons, who met there when Domitian due notice, they may aid us in the performance of our duties. was Emperor, in the night of persecution, when danger and death J.W.—Brethren, it is the pleasure of the Most Excellent Chief hung on their footsteps. Prince that this Chapter be now opened. You will take due notice M. F.—Rome is a corpse, and her emperors are shadows; but thereof, and be prepared to aid us in the performance of our duhes the spirit of persecution yet lives, and men forget that all man- M. E.—Together, my brethren! ‘I kind are brethren. Let us take heed that we fall not into that sin! Strength to resist temptation comes from God. Let us humbly All give the second sign. Then the 3. W. raps +++; the S. W. +~I~+ ++; and the M. E. ++++++ +. kneel before him, and confess our errors and implore his mercy for Then all the Princes clap with their hands the whole battery, and applaud, the helpless and the persecuted. ‘V crying, “Hoscheah.’’ All kneel, and the M. E. repeats following M. E.—Under the auspices, etc., I declare this Chapter of Princes of Mercy opened, and its labors resumed. i PRAYER RECEPTION M E.—We have sinned against Thee, 0 our Father, and have broken Thy commandments. We have forgotten mercy, and prac- The candidate must be dressed in a plain black robe, reaching from the neck to the feet. At the door of the Chapter, the M. of C., who conducts him, tic6d intolerance. We have judged our brother harshly, and con- raps +++; which is answered from within by +++ ++; and the M. ot U. demned him unheard. Soften our hearts toward those who go raps ~ .1.1+ ~. The door is then partly opened hy the U. of P., astray, and help us to look with leniency on their errors! If we who aslVs: are not in possession of the truth, help us to attain it. If we G. ofP.—Who comes todisturb the faithful in their meditations? already have it, help us to look with compassion on those who are M. of 0.—A brother, who, having passed through the first two less fortunate than we, and yet perhaps more deserving of Thy degrees of the Sacred Mysteries, seeks now to be admitted to the mercy! Help us to resist and subdue our evil passions, our pride full light, and to become one of the faithful. of opinion, our bitter and revengeful feelings! Hasten the coming U. of P.—Has he passed the regular terms of probation, and of that promised dawn, when persecution shall cease, and all man- undergone the necessary tests and trials? kind shall feel that there is no heresy so monstrous as persecution M. of 0.—He has. and intolerance! Place thy hand between man ‘s life and the can- G. of P—Will he devote himself zealously to the teaching and non s mouth. Send back the sword to the furnace to be forged into diffusion of the true principles of Masonry? the implements of peace! Let peace, love, and harmony reign in the M. of 0.—He will. world, and war and hatred and discord be known no more forever! U. of P.—Art thou prepared to undergo stripes and persecution, Amen! hunger and destitution, and the scoffs of the profane, in the service All—So mote it be! Amen! of Masonry? M. F—Excellent Brother Senior Warden, let this Chapter now Oand.—I am. be opened for the disposal of such business, and for such proper G. of P.—Has he sufficient discernment to see the truth under work, as may come before it. This you will communicate to the the veil that covers it from profane eyes? Excellent Brother Junior Warden, and he to all the Princes, that M. of 0.—He has. ‘V

292 TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE 293 U. of Th—How is he called? 2W. of 0.—Constans. all his life, that he bring no shame upon thee, by making false thy Ii U. of P.—Let him wait with patience until his request is made pledge in his behalf! Lead him to the Senior Warden! known to this Most Excellent Chapter of Princes of Mercy, and The M. of C. does so. They halt in front of the S. W., and the M. of C. its will ascertained. gives ~ raps. lie closes the door, and goes to the East; where the same questions are S. W.—Venerable Brother Master of Ceremonies, whom bring asked, and like answers returned as at the door. you hither? worthy brother, who, having passed the necessary M. E.—If he be such as his name imports, let him be admitted, 2W. of 0.—A after he shall have washed his hands in pure water, and received terms of probation, and undergone the tests and trials, now anx- iously desires to see the great light, and to be received among the the customar~r warning. faithful. The G. of P. goes again to the door, opens it, and says: S. W.—My brother, is this request caused, not by idle curiosity, U. of P.—It is the will of the Chapter that, if he be such as but by a sincere desire to attain unto the truth, that so thou mayest Ii his name imports, he be admitted, after he shall have washed his the better perform thy duties toward God and man? hands in pure water and received the customary warning. Oand.—It is. S. W.—Venerable Brother Master of Ceremonies, dost thou The M. of C. then places before the candidate a bowl of pure water, in which he washes his hands, and then dries them on a napkin. While he is vouch for him that he loveth his brethren, is modest and humble, doing so, the M. of C. says: not haughty, or wise in his own conceit? ill, of 0.—Whilst thou dost purify thy outer man, forget not 2W. of 0.—I do. that thou must present thyself here with a pure soul, without which S. W.—Then, since thou becomest his surety, let him be care- I ful, all his life, that he bring no shame upon thee, by making false the external cleanliness of body will by no means be accepted, and of which this lavation~ is a mere symbol. thy pledge in his behalf! Lead him to the Most Excellent Chief Prince in the Orient! The candidate is now led into the Chapter, which is darkened, and remains in perfect silence, except when that silence is broken by the voices of the The M. of C. does so. They halt in Eront of the leE. E., and the M. of C. officers, lie is led to the station of the J. W. gives ~ raps, by ++44++ and 4.. J. W.—Venerable Brother Master of Ceremonies, whom bring 2W. F.—Venerable Brother Master of Ceremonies, whom bring you hither? you hither? 2W. of 0.—A worthy brother, who having passed the necessary 2W. of 0.—A worthy brother, who, having passed the necessary terma~of probation, and undergone the tests and trials, now desires terms of probation, and undergone the tests and trials, now anx- to see the great light, and to be received among the faithful. iously desires to see the great light, and to be received among the J. W.—My brother, is this request caused, not by idle curiosity, faithful. but by a sincere desire to attain unto the truth, that so thou mayest 2W. E.—My brother, is this request caused, not by idle curiosity, the better perform thy duties toward God and man? but by a sincere desire to attain unto the truth, that so thou mayest Oand.—It is. the better perform thy duties toward God and man? J. W.—X~enerable Brother Master of Ceremonies, dost thou Oand.—It is. vouch for him, that he is true and honest, of good morals, and one 2W. E.—Be sure that thou answerest not lightly and hastily; but who can be secret and silent? in sincerity and truth, and upon profound reflection and careful 0. of G.—I do. self-examination! Art thou prepared to assume the arduous duties J. W.—Then, since thou becomest his surety, let him be careful, that will devolve upon thee as one of the faithful? Oand.—I am. TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE 295 294 TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE 2W. E.—Upon thy honor; eouldst thou adhere firmly to thy re- be tolerant of error, the common lot of man and send our life a ligious faith, and not apostatize, though exposure to lions, or death happy, blameless end! at the stake were the penalty? AU—Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be thy name, etc. 11 Gand. [Prompted by the 2W. of 0.3.—With God’s help I hope I Amen! So mote it be. could. All rise, and the M. E. seats them by one rap A seat is given the candidate 2W. E.—Venerable Brother Master of Ceremonies, dost thou in front of the East. vouch~ for his stability and resolution, his truth and sincerity, his V.~ 2W. E.—My brother, you have ascended too high in Masonry to courage in danger, and his contempt of death? be longer subjected to physical tests and trials, or you would again 2W. of 0.—I do. in this degree have represented the Fellow-Craft or Companion 2W. K—It is well; let him take heed that he bring not shame upon advancing toward the Master’s degree. thee, by making false the pledge which thou has given for him! M. K—It has often been asked concerning you, in Masonry, My brother, you have assumed the name of Constans, and thus whether you were duly and truly prepared. We would fain know profess yourself firm, intrepid and persevering. This Lodge repre- whether you are so now. If it should befall you to be unjustly put sents a Lodge of Christian Masons held at night, in the gloomy to death, are you so duly and truly prepared to be a Prince of catacombs under Rome, in the time of the persecuting Emperor Mercy as that you could sincerely say, in behalf of your murderers, Domitian; and you represent a Catechumen who, having attained “Father, forgive them! for they know not what they do”? the second degree of the Essenian and early Christian Mysteries, 0and.— sought by receiving the third and last degree to become one of the 2W. E.—If death now seemed imminent, could you sincerely say, faithful or the elect. Whatever your faith, you at least believe, as ‘‘0 my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; never- they did, in the unity and providence of God. What, before you theless, not my will but Thine be done’’? were made a Mason, were you taught you should always do before Cand.— engaging in any great and important undertaking? 2W. E.—Since you have this modest confidence in yourself, and Oand.—That I should invoke the assistance of Deity. humble reliance upon God, we may permit you to proceed. Brother 2W. E.—Then let us do so, before proceeding further. My breth- Master of Ceremonies, you will re-conduct this brother to the Excel- ren, let us pray! lent Brother Senior Warden, who will place him near the great All kneel, and the following prayer is repeated: light, by the proper steps. He is conducted to the West; and the M. of C. places him before the altar, PRAYER by three steps, commencing with the left foot; where he kneels on both knees, grasping a horn or flame of the altar with each hand, while the point of an Infinitely Illustrious and Supreme Father, infinitely various of arrow is pressed against his right temple, and in tIlls position assumes the counsel, who consumest all things, and again thyself reproducest following and repairest them; who directest the ineffable harmonies that are OBLIGATION the law of the boundless universe! Universal Parent of eternally successive being; who art everywhere present; of whose essence I, ,of my own free will and accord, in the presence of the are justice, mercy and goodness; author of life and soul, of all great Creator of the universe, and of this venerable Chapter, do that moves; aid us to keep thy commandments and perform our most solemnly promise and vow that I will never reveal the secrets duties! Keep us from the slippery descents of vice, and help us to of this degree to any person in the world, unless it be to one who stand firm in the ways of duty? Support and strengthen this our shall have received all the preceding degrees of the Ancient and brother, and all Masons everywhere! Fill our souls with love for Accepted Rite, in a regular and constitutional manner. I further- Thee! Save us from persecutors; teach us and all our brethren to more promise and swear that I will never confer or aid in confer- 297 296 TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE ring this degree, nor be present at conferring it, upon any ‘one, You now see upon the altar before you the luminous delta, with unless it is done by a Consistory of the thirty-second degree, or three equal sides, in all ages the representation of Deity, the trinity Council of Kadosh, under the jurisdiction of a regularly established of wisdom, power, and harmony; and upon it the ineffable name, Supreme Council of the thirty-third degree; or by a Sovereign and the cross, in all time the emblem of eternity, with the Greek

Grand Inspector-General or Deputy Inspector-General duly author- Letters J. . . . V. abbreviations of the name of Jesus Christ. ized; and that even in such ease I will not do so, if the eandidate The arrow, pressed against your right temple while you were be not, so far as I know, a worthy brother, of pure life and irre- obligated, and which is the emblem of authority of the presiding proachable morals. officer, is a symbol of eternal truth. And your symbolic age, 81 I furthermore promise and. swear that I will be merciful and years, or the square of the square of three, will always remind you tolerant; and will endeavor to obey the new commandment by -4 of the trinity. I loving my brother. Receive now the And should I wilfully or knowingly violate this my obligation, I consent to be pierced through the temples with an avenging arrow, (I P. V. & S. V. I I and that my memory shall be reviled and despised by all men and Masons; and may the ruler of the universe assist me to keep this 2W. E.—My brethren, let us purify this our newly-adopted my solemn obligation! Amen! brother, and devote him to the service of God and virtue. .1 V After the obligation is taken, a cloth is thrown over the candidate’s head, A brother brings a cup of water; and the M. IE. pours a small quantity and the M. E., haying his hands upon his head, while all the lights are lighted, upon the head of the candidate, saying: asks: M. E.—As the first Christian Masons, in the gloomy catacombs 2W. E.—My brother, thou art worthy to be accepted among the under the eternal city, baptized their initiates with pure water, as faithful. What now dost thou most desire? a symbol of regeneration, even so do I pour this water upon thy Oand.—Light. head as a symbol of that purification of the soul by suffering and 2W. B.—l am come a light into the world, that whosoever be- sorrow, by which, parting with the stains of sins and the sordidness lieveth in me should not abide in darkness. This is life eternal, to of vice, it becomes fit to return to its eternal home in the bosom know the only true God, and the word that did create the universe, of the Father who loveth all the children I-Ic hath made. in whom is light, and that light the life of men. My brethren, aid Then a brother brings perfumed oil in a cup, and the M. E, dipping his me to bring this newly accepted brother to light! linger in it, marks with it a tau cross upon the forehead of the candidate, saying: The eloth is removed. A brilliant light is displayed in the East. Music. The IvI. E. assists him to risg, and says: 2W. E.—By this sign I do devote thee henceforward to the cause 2W. E.—Behold, the darkness is past, and the true light now shin- of truth. [The si~atue is then unveited, and he continues.] Behold the Palladium of this Order. It is no image or idol to be wor- eth. My brother, you have before this been brought to light in shiped; neither the Egyptian Isis, nor the Astarte of the Pho~ni- Masonry, when the Worshipful Master, with the aid of the brethren, cians, nor Ceres, the symbol of nature, but an emblem of purity first made you a Mason. You have been taught to believe in the and truth—truth, which here we worship, and of which you are true God. You have passed through degrees intended to remind you of the Essenian and Hebrew mysteries; and in this you have now the servant. heard described those practiced by the first Christians. We shadow A vessel, containing bread, and a vase, containing wine, are now placed forth the secret discipline of the early Christians, as we do the upon the table in front of the throne; and the M. E. says: other mysteries, as the diverse and often eccentric forms in which 2W. E.—Not an irreverent imitation of the rites of any church, Masonry has developed itself in the different ages of the world. nor as here assuming to administer any sacrament; but to renew V. TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE 299 298 TWENTY-SIXTH DEGREE our obligations of fraternal kindness, and to express our heartfelt~ ous; for in Masonry the legal maxim applies, nemo !iberalis nisi 4, gratitude to God for his beneficence and sure promises, let us eat tib eratus. and drink together. Maximum Taurinus says: “The tessera is a symbol and sign, II by which to distinguish between the faithful and the profane.” Each brother eats a morsel of the bicad, and drinks of the ~iine;and then the M. E. says: TO CLOSE 2W. E.—Faith in God’s word, and a sincere reliance upon his VA 2W. E.—Brother Senior Warden, what is the hour? loving kindness are the true bread of life; and good deeds and VV S. W.—Past midnight, Most E zeellent. kindly affections are the wine that exalts the soul. Let these of 2W. E.—Sinee it is past midnight, the hour of rest has arrived. which we have now partaken ever be symbols to us of faith and Brother Junior Warden, what of the night? virtue, and remind us that we are the brethren of every true and J. W.—Most Excellent, the clouds have broken, and the stars upright Mason on the globe. begin to appear. The storm is past, and the night of woe and perse- The M. of C. now clothes the brother in a white tunic, and invests him cution in the world draws to its close. with the apron, collar, and jewel, the M. E. saying: 2W. B—Brother Senior Warden, what remains for us to do? 2W. E.—My brother, the colors of this degree are green, red and S. W.—To watch and pray, Most Excellent. white. They symbolize the Masonic trinity. The green is an emblem 2W. B—Since that alone remains, it is my pleasure that this of the inilnite wisdom; the red of the supreme energy, force, or chapter be now closed. This you will communicate to the Junior power; and the white, produced by mingling all the colors, of the Warden, and he to the brethren, that they may have due notice divine harmony. thereof, and govern themselves accordingly. S. W.—Brother Junior Warden, it is the pleasure of the Most On the three sides of the jewel you see the letters W. F. and H., Excellent Chief Prince that this Chapter be now closed. This you the initials of the words Wisdom, Force, and harmony; and on the will communicate to the brethren, that they may have due notice, inflamed heart in the center, three letters which the Christian and govern themselves accordingly. Mason reads as the initials of the phrase, Jesus Hominum Salvator. J. W.—Brethren, it is the pleasure, etc. . Perhaps you suspect that there is still remaining behind an inner 2W. E.—The sign, my brethren! meaning of the word “Trinity,’’ connecting itself with your title of Scottish Trinitarian. It may be so. Masonry discloses its secrets All give the second sign; then M. E. raps +++ +++ +; S. W. cautiously, and never makes the whole truth known at once. +++ ++; J. W. raps +++. I receive you as one of the faithful and a Prince of Mercy; and OFFICIAL DECLARATION I present you with this mark, called by the Romans, Tessera, which you will hereafter wear, as a proof that you are entitled to the privileges and honors of this degree. On one side of it you see the ineffable name, and on the other side the pass-word of the degree, in the cipher of the degree. You will never part with it, unless, being in need, you pledge it for a loan, to a brother of the degree, in which case he will retain it until the loan is repaid. He can not refuse the loan if it be asked for a pro~iier purpose, and when his own necessities do not require it, and if it be for a reasonable amount, and one within his means, and if the claims of his family or creditors do not demand that he shall be just before he is gener- it 4. V 4<

TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE 801

The Eminent Commander sits on the east side of the table; the Marshal and Turcopolier on the west side, the latter on the right of the F former; the Hospitaler on the south side; the Draper on the north; the TWENTYS EV ENTH DEGREEqc~q~GIl T COMMANDER Secretary on the left of the Eminent Commander, half way between him and the Hospitaler; and the Treasurer on the right of the Eminent .1 OF THE TEMPLE Commander, half ivay between him and the Draper; the First Lieutenant on the right of the Hospitaler; the Second Lieutenant on the left of I, ++++ +q4 q4+ the Draper; and the Captain of the Guard on the right of the Junior Warden. The Chaplain sits on the right hand of the Eminent Com- mander. LODGES, FiJRNITURE, ETC. II DRESS, DECORATIONS, ETC. Bodies of this chivalric degree are styled Chapters. The hangings are scarlet, with black coluinns at intervals, on each of which is an arm or The apron is square, of scarlet-colored lambskin, lined and edged with

I~jI - branch, holding a light. The hangings and columns are so arranged as to black. The flap is white, and on it is a Teutonic Cross [described as a make the shape of the Chapter a eircle. Ii’ cross potent sable, charged with another cross double potent or, sur- The canopy and throne are of scarlet, sprinkled with black tears. charged with an escutcheon of the Empire, the principal cross sur- Ill In front of the East is a candelabrum, with three circles of lights, one mounted by a chief azure, seine of France.] above the other. In the lowest circle are twelve lights; in the middle one In the middle of the apron is a key, in black, and round it, em- nine, and in the upper one aix. broidered in green and of the proper shade, a garland or wreath of In the center of the room is a very large round table, on which are laurel. five la]nps with globular shades of ground glass, arranged in the shape The gloves are white, lined, edged and embroidered with red. .1 of a passion-cross, the vertical shaft extending East and West, the head The jewel is a triangle of gold, on which is enameled the letters of the cross to the East. These lamps must be fed with olive oil. On L N. R. I. this table is a crucifix, a copy of the Pentateuch in Hebrew, a crown of garland of laurel, a sword and large key, crossed, an apron and a pair TO OPEN of gloves of the degree, and scattered upon it in no particular order, When the members have assembled, the Commander-in-Chief raps +, to all the working tools of the Symbolic Lodge. Around this table all the engage their attention, and says: ~i1 Commanders sit. In the West are the following sentences: B. ft—Attention, Commanders! I have caused you to assemble for the purpose of deliberating upon matters of importance to the “IN MANY worms THOU SHA~ NOT AvOID SIN.” LIFE AND DEATH ARE DISPENSED BY THE TONGUE.” Order. I pray you to assist me in opening our Chapter of Knights Commanders of the Temple, that we may take counsel together. Be pleased to assume your places! ON OFFICERS AND TITLES The Sovereigr Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the The members draw their swords, salute the E. C., and then, with them at thirty-third degree is the Grand Master of the Order. The COnimander the carry, take their places round the table, and remain standing. in-Chief of the Consistory in which the Chapter is held is the Provincial B. C.-1--Brother Knight Captain of the Guard, inform the Sen- Grand Master. tinel that we are about to open our Chapter, that he may keep due The presiding officer of a Chapter is styled “COmmanderinChief,M with the title of “Eminent.” The Senior Warden is styled “Marshal’’; watch, permitting none to enter without permission of the Marshal. and the Junior Warden, “Turcopolier”; the Orator, “Hospitaler’’; the The C. of G. goes out, returns, salutes and reports: Master of Ceremonies, “Draper”; the Secretary, “Chancellor”; the Theasurer, “Senesehal’’; the Expert and Assistant Expert “First” and C. of 0.—Eminent Commander-in-Chief, the Sentinel is at his “Second Lieutenant”; and a “Captain of the Guard.” In addressing post, and we are duly tyled. each, the words “Brother Knight’’ are prefixed to his official title. The B. 0.—Brother Knight Hospitaler, what were the first duties Tyler is styled “Sentinel.’’ There is also a “Chaplain.” assumed by the Knights Commanders of the Temple? [3003 TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE 303 302 TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE See that none render evil for evil unto any; but do always that IIos.—To nurse and tend the poor, sick and wounded soldiers which is good, both among yourselves and to all men. Brother of the cross. Knight Chancellor, what is the fifth and most excellent of the five F. C —Brother Knight Turcopolier, to what knightly duties did excellent qualities of a Knight Commander of the Temple? they afterward engage themselves? Ohan. I Lighting the lamp at the eastern extremity of the ver- Tur.—To guard the city of Jerusalem against the Saracens, to tical shaft of the cross] .—Honor. protect Christendom, to succor and assist the feeble and oppressed, F. 0.—Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its and to defend the innocent. savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for noth- F. 0.—Brother Knight Marshal, what additional obligation did ingbut to be cast out, and to be trodden under loot of men. Blessed they contract when they were initiated into Masonry? are the pure in heart, for they shall see God! Mar.—To practice all the Masonic virtues; but particularly to Reverend Brother Chaplain, let us pray to our Father in heaven love the brethren. to inspire us with these virtues, and that lie will graciously enable F. C—Brother Knight Turcopolier, what is the first in order of us to reap these promised rewards! the five excellent qualities of a Knight Commander of the Temple? All kneel, in their places at the table, and the Chaplain repeats the fol- Tur. [Lighting the last or west lamp of the three which form lowhig: the vertical shaft of the Cross] —llumility. spirit, for theirs thfkingdom F. 0.—Blessed are the poor in is PRAYER of heaven! Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth! Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness Father and Creator, who hast given us life and being, aid us to of mind let each esteem the other better than himself! Brother perform the duties which thy law and our vows impose upon us! Knight Draper, what is the second in order of the five excellent Thou hast giveu us the portion and the food of sons; make us to qualities of a Knight Comnmnder of the Temple? do the duty of sons, that we niay never lose our title to an in- Dra. [Lighting the lamp which forms the northern extremity of heritance so glorious! Thou hast vouchsafed to call us thy children, the transverse bar of the cross] —Temperance. and dost most graciously permit us to call Thee Father. May that F 0.—We should live soberly, righteously and godly in this name be our glory and our confidence, our defense and guard, our present world. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us, ornament and strength, our dignity and the endearment of obe- therefore, cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of dience! May it confirm and sustain us in our good resolutions, and light. Brother Knight Hospitaler, what is the third in order of make us steadfast never to desert the post of duty! Let our bodies the five excellent qualities of a Knight Commander of the Temple? be- chaste, our thoughts pure, our words gentle, and our lives use- lbs. [Lighting the lamp which forms the southern extremity of lul and innocent, to the honor and commendation of Masonry and .—Chastity. the tra4zitsverse bar of the cross] Knighthood! Look upon us with mercy, forgive our imperfections; E. 0.—Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, and accept with indulgence the little service we may be enabled to charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart! render to the cause of virtue, charity, and truth! and to Thee be all When lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it glory and honor forever. Amen! is finished, bringeth forth death. Let not sin, therefore, reign in All—So mote it be. your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof! Knight All rise, and remain staading. Chancellor, what is the fourth and most excellent of the five ex- cellenI qualities of a Knight Commander of the Temple? E. 0.—Brother Knight Marshal, what is your age? Mar. [Lighting the middle lamp of the three that form the Mar.—I have arrived at that age when reason governs the ap- verticaL shaft of the cross] .—Generosity. petites and passions, and have received the rewards of a Knight E. 0.—Blessed are ~he merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Commander of the Temple. 304 TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE TWENTY-SEVENTH D~GItEE 305 B. C.—What are those rewards? The Knights all form the chain, with their hands crossed, and each grasp- Ylar.—The fIve trophies of a Knight Mason. ing that of the other; and the Chap, says: B. 0.—Do you believe that you have deserved those rewards? Mar.—I have endeavored to do so. Ohap.—Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly B. 0.—How? love, in honor prefer ring one to another! Mar.—By being true to my vows, and by strict and zealous ob- Be of the same mind one toward another! servance of my duties. Mind not high things, but condeseend to men of low B. 0.—For what other reward do you hope? estate! Mar—In this life, that worthy Masons will crown me with their Be not wise in your own conceits! good opinion, of which the laurel is the emblem; in the life to come, Recompense to no man evil for evil! for the mercy of God. ______If it be possible as much as lieth in you, live peaceably B. 0.~~~iWhere were you crowned with the laurel? with all men! Mar.—In a place sanctified by good works. — Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, B. 0.—When? and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice! Mar.—At the right time. And be you kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiv- B. 0.—What is a Knight Commander’s houry ing one another, that your Father, which is in heaven, may forgive Mar.—The present; since it alone is with us. you! B. 0.—Since then the present only is ours, aid me, my brethren, All—Amen! So mote it be! Knights Commanders of the Temple Masons, to open our Chapter, B. 0.—Be seated my brethren! according to ancient custom! + All extend their swords over the table, and points upward, at an angle of 45 degrees, and meeting in the center; and the E. C. says: RECEPTION B. 0.—As these swords point to one common center, so do we This is the first strictly chlvalrLc degree of the Ancient and Accepted here anew devote our energies and intellects to one common pur- Scottish Rite. pose, and dedicate our swords to the cause of freedom, our hearts When the Chapter has been opened, the candidate is introduced by the M. of C.; and he standing on the West of the table, between the Mar. and Tur., to the glory of God, our intellects to the enlightenment of men, and the E. C. presents him by name to the Knights Commanders, saying: our hands to assist the sick, the suffering and the destitute. So B. 0.—Behold, my brethren, this Prince of Mercy, who seeks to help us God! signalize his zeal for Masonry by entering our Order. Look well All—Amen. upon him, and afterward-inquire of each other as to his character ~. 0.—To order, Knights! and intelligence, that you may decide knowingly whether you will All standunder order. Then the Tur. raps ~ +++; the Mar. ~-~- admit him to our ranks! . . . Brother Knight Draper, let the ap- ‘-14+ +++; and the E. C. ‘-14+ +++++++ ‘1-’H-. Then the E. C. gives the sige of recognition to the Knight on his right hand, who plicant withdraw while the Knights Commanders deliberate. makes the answer; and it is so done around the circle, and returns to E. C. The M. of C. retires with the candidate, leaves him in the ante-room, and B. 0.—In the name of the Most Eminent Grand Master of the returns. When he has again taken his seat, the question of admitting the candidate is again taken up; and if any one desires information in regard to Order of Knights Commanders of the Temple, and under the him, those who know him give it; after which the secret ballot is taken, and auspices of the Supreme Council, etc., I declare this Chapter to be if it is unanimous, the E. C. directs that the ceremony proceed; and the M. of duly opened for the transaction of such business as may lawfully C. again repairs to the ante-room. The candidate is prepared by being clothed in a tunic of black stuff, on the left of which is a large white Teutonic Cross. come liefore it. Reverend Brother Chaplain, be pleased to deliver He wears a sword of the degree, with the belt and scabbard black. The candi- the usual charge. date is then conducted by the M. of C. to a small room, the walls, ceiling, and floor of which arc entirely black. In the center of it is a small table, and by it L 306 TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE TWEl4TY-S~VENTH DECREE 307

a stool, both covered with black. On the table are three slmhhs, forming a cerely willing to be reconciled to you?’’ triangle, with henfy twigs of evergreen shooting out from the several apertures “QUEsTIoN 4. If you have any quarrel with. a good Mason of of each. In the center of the triangle so formed is a single candle of black ‘i~V any degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, write to him wax, burning. There is no other light. Also within th’fe triangle are three small vessels of silver, one near each skull, containing, respectively, a morseh now a letter offering reconciliation and the right hand of fellow- of d~y biend, water, and salt. At one side is a printed paper, containing the ship. Seal your letter; and answer what you have done; and, if questions, with spaces for the answers, and also letter-paper, with pens and you have more than one such quarrel, whether you will at the ink, sealing wax, and a seal. Having seated the candidate upon the stool, the M. of C. says to him: earliest opportunity do the same in every such case?” 711. of 0.—My brother, you have asked to be permitted to receive When the eandidate simmons the M. of C., the latter receives the paper, and the letters, if any, and again retires. The replies to the questions are then the degree of Knight Commander of the Temple. Before you can read aloud in the Chapter by the Chancellor; and the Knights consult to- do so, there are certain prerequisites with which you must comply. gether in regard to their sufficiency. If the candidate should have refused to You will learn what they are by the printed paper on the table make atonement of an adniitted wrong, confessing that it is in his power to do so; or if he refuses to make advances toward a reconciliation with a brother before you. I shall leave you alone. When you have counted sixty of the Rite, it is not possible for him to be allowed to proceed; and in that pulsations of the heart, remove the bandage from your eyes, eat case the M. of C. will conduct him to the aiite-room and so inform him, per- of the bread, drink of the water, and taste of the salt, as a solemn mating him to depart in peace. If be complies satisfactorily with what has been required, the ceremony will proceed. If it is thought proper to allow pledge that you will answer and act, truly and with hono>-’Then him orally to explain anything in his replies, lie may be introduced and per- read the paper, and do so. Consider well the solemn import of mitted or requested to do so. In short, every means will be taken to know the questions and demands; let all around you, and especially the with certainty whether he is a true Mason, in this, that he is willing to atone for a wrong done any one, and not too proud to offer a reconciliation to a three mementoes on the table, remind you of the evanescence of all brother. If the Chapter is not satisfied, and ho is rejected, any letter he may earthly things, and obligations of rectitude and honor, the cer- have written will be returned to him. If he is received, his letter or letters will tainty of death, and after that of the resurrection, and solemn be handed to the Chancellor, to be forwarded to the parties to whom they are addressed. When it is decided that the candidate shall be admitted, the M. of judgment for the deeds done in the body. When you shall have C. conducts him to the door of the Chapter, places on his head a white linen finished, sign the paper and give three distinct raps upon the table, coif, and close over that a red cap, and seats him there upon a how stool. He and I will return. then raps at the door, ~ The C. of H, on the inside, mephies with 4’-I-+ raps, and the M. of C. returns ++. The door is then partly opened by the The M. of C. then retires, closing the door. The paper is as follows: C. of G., who asks: “QUESTION 1. Ha-ye you done wrong or injury to any one, with- 0. of G.—Who desires to enter this Chapter? out atoning for it by repentance, and, if possible, by making M. of 0.—A poor, serving brother-at-arms, who, having com- amends?” pleted the due term of probation, and given evidence of his valor “Qu~sThoN 2. You have often made professions and given and virtue, now seeks of the brethren of the Chivalry of the Temple pledges in Masonry. Now we demand of you performance. If you of Solomon the habit and fellowship of the Order. have done wrong or injury to any one, without making amends, 0. of G.—What is his name? and it has not now become impossible to do so, write to the party M. of 0.—A.... F.... a letter, coilfessing the wrong, and promising to Inake amends, or 0. of G.—Why does he desire to obtain this favor? doing so, if it can be done by letter! If you have atonement to M. of 0.—That he may more efficiently assist in our labors of make to more than one, answer whether, what you thus do in one beneficence. ease you will at the earliest opportunity do in all! Seal, if you 0. of G.—My brother, is this answer from the lips only, or from chooie, your letter, since we do not demand to know its contents; the heart? but answer briefly hereunder what you do and promiset” Oand.—I am a Grand Elect, Perfect, and Sublime Mason. “QUESTION 3.—Have you any enmity toward, or feud with, any 0. of G.—Do you think yourself worthy to be received among one, that you would not readily abandon, if you found him sin- the poor fellow-soldiers of the Temple of Solomon? 308 TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE 309 Oand.-—I am a Knight Rose Croix, having Hope and Faith with Charity. E. 0.—Brother Knights First and Second Lieutenants, you will 0. of G.—Do you know the value of the mysteries of Masonry? go to the place where this serving brother is, prepare him in due Cand.—I am a Prince of Mercy. Masonry is my stay and form to assume the vows of knighthood, and bring him in your strength in danger, and my comforter in misfortune. charge into the Chapter. 0. of G.—What guarantee will you give us of the sincerity of The 1st and 2d Lieut. go out and prepare the candidate by taking off his these professions? sword and belt, and placing a lighted taper in his right hand; the 1st Licut. Oand.—The sincere vows which I have taken in the preceding saying: degrees, and my readiness to assume the vows of this. 1st Lieut.—Your belt is removed, in order that you may appear 0. of ~—He answers fairly. Let him wait with patience until perfectly free at the time of entering into so solemn an engagement the Commander-in-Chief and the Chapter declare their pleasure! as that which you are about to contract.

______The lighted taper in your hand represents Charity; f or The C. of G. closes the door, and advances toward the tabhe; and the foh- lowing questions are put and answers given: the active performance of whose most sacred duties the Order Vi which you desire to enter was instituted. E. 0.—Brother Knight Captain of the Guard, who seeks to enter £ V 1st Lieut.—Beeause sentence against an evil work is not exe- the Chapter? cuted speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set C. of G.—A poor, serving brother-at-arms, who, having com- in them to do evil. But the justice of heaven is certain; and he pleted the due term of probation, and given evidence of his valor A who would die bravely, like a Knight, should live well and honestly, and virtue, now seeks of the brethren of the Chivalry of the Temple like a Mason. of Solomon the habit and fellowship of the Order. ______The Knights of this Order formerly took the three vows K 0.—What is his name? K of Chastity, Obedience, and Poverty; and we require of you three 0. of G.—A.. . of the same nature, though not identical in the letter, tile takes F. 0.—Why does he desire to obtain this favor? from the candidate the light which he carries; and a cushion is 0. of G.—That he may more efficiently assist in our labors of placed before him, which he may kneel upon.] Kneel on both beneficence. knees, in the presence of your Father who is in heaven, and with E. 0.—-Is this answer from the lips only, or from the heart? clasped hands appealing to him to hear your solemn vows, make 0. of G.—He replies to this, that he 15 a Grand Elect, Perfect, distinct answer. and Sublime Mason. ______Do you solemnly vow, upon your soul and honor, that B. 0.—Does he think himself worthy to be received among the you will never be guilty of betraying female innocence? poor feijow-soldiers of the Temple of Solomon? Oand.—I do. So help me God! 0. of G.—He replies to this, that he is a Knight Rose Croix, 1st Lieut.—Do you solemnly vow, upon your soul and honor, having Hope and Faith with Charity. that you will comply with the reasonable commands of the Grand E. 0.—Does he know the value of the mysteries of Masonry? Master, Provincial Grand Master, or Commander-in-Chief in every- 0. of G.—He replies to this, that he is a Prince of Mercy; and thing Masonic, that is for the glory of God or for the welfare of that Masonry is his stay and strength in danger, and his comforter men? in misfortune. Oand—I do. So help me God! B. 0.—What guarantee will he give us of the sincerity of these 1st Lieut.—Do you solemnly vow, upon your soul and honor, professions? that you will regard yourself as the almoner of God, to dispense his 0. of G.—The sincere vows which he has taken in the preceding bounties, so far as your means permit; and that you will rather degrees, and his readiness to assume the vows of this. remain poor than neglect the obligations of charity and permit your brethren to want? VI’

310 TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE 311 Oand.—I do. So help me God! 1st and 2d Lieut.—Amen! lstLieut.—Dost thou agree to endeavor, truly and earnestly, to I, obey this commandment? 1st Lieut.—Rise, brother, and listen ! IHe rises; and the light do. So help me God! is again put in his hand.] Those who formerly entered this Order “1 Oand.—I consecrated themselves to the service of th.e sich and suffering, were K 0.—Brother Knight First Lieutenant, we have heard the responses of this serving brother, and are content therewith. Place constantly employed in works of mercy, and devoted themselves to II; the service and defense of the Christian faith. They were no longer him now in charge of the Knights Marshal and Turcopolier, for the allowed to act for themselves, but on the contrary were obliged ab- ceremony of investiture. solutely to renounce their own will and pleasure, and implicitly This is done. The light is taken from him; the Mar. and Tur. take 11w to comply with that of their superiors. The change of circumstances places of the 1st Lieut. and 2d Lieut., who return to their seats. and manners makes this strictness to be no longer required; but you Mar.—Art thou prepared to assume the other vows of a Knight, will contract with us an analogous engagement. that we have all assumed? Do you promise that you will not neglect the sick and Oand.—I am. the suffering of your brethren? Mar.—Kneel, then, upon both knees, and clasp thy hands to- 11 Do you promise that you will consider it the highest gether! glory to benefit your fellows? He does so; and the Mar. taking the candidate’s hands between his own, Do you promise that you will devote yourself to the serv- causes him to repeat the following ice and defense of the principles of Scottish Masonry, to such ex- .Is II tent as your other duties permit? OBLIGATION I.; Do you promise to yield a prompt, cheerful and unques- I, , about to be invested with the dignity of Knight Com- tioning obedience to the statutes of the Order, legally enacted? mander of the Temple, do promise to the Grand Master and Pro- vincial Grand Master, and to my Chapter, perpetual obedience and He will answer to each question separately. fidelity. I swear that I will defend, not only with my lips, hut by if. 0.—If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember- force of arms, and with a[l my strength, the free exercise of the est that thy brother has aught against thee, leave there thy gift work and rites of Masonry, the rights of conscience, and the great before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, principles of free government; that I will at all times be prepared and then come and offer thy gift. to tahe up arms for my country, to defend her safety and honor, / 1st Lieut—Dost thou agree to obey this commandment, and not and even in case of need to pass the seas In her service; that in the to stan4 at the altars of Masonry, having a quarrel with a brother presence of three enemies I will flee not; that I will not permit the unreconeiled? power of the Order to be perverted to evil uses or made the in- Cand.—I do. So help me God! strument of private ambition or of private greed; that I will never K C—Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is Cod’s ii surrender my principles in order to purchase safety; that I will throne; nor by the earth; for it is His footstool! never refuse my brother Knights any succor I am able to afford 1st Lieut.—Dost thou agree to obey this commandment, and them; hut will aid and defend them, by words, by arms, and by all ne rca more to take the name of God in vain? good offices; and in sincerity, and of my own free will, [swear that Ca-nd—I do. So help me God! I will observe all these things! So help me God! if. 0.—Love your enemies! Bless them that curse you! Do Mar.—Rise, my brother, and be seated upon the floor! good to theni that hate you! and pray for them that despitefully He does so, and the E. C. says: use you and persecute you! B. 0.—You have engaged yourself in the defense of the poor if it

312 TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE TWENTY-SEVENTH DEGREE 313 and of Scottish Masonry. We hope that you have joined our ranks I hereby constitute, create, and dub thee a Knight Commander of through true charity, Which iS the mother and sure foundation of the Temple. Be true,- devout, and brave! Arise, A B. all other virtues; from a spirit of beneficence, and from a sincere no longer a serving brother, but a Knight; and may glory and good attachment to Masonry. If so, you will only strive to distinguish fortune attend you! yourself by your merit. The poor fellow-soldiers of the Temple of Receive now the five trophies of this degree. IV this branch of the Order are destined to fight only for the glory of I crown you with this garland of laurel. This especially is meant Masonry, to uphold its banners, and vindicate its principles. V~ 4 to crown your good works, done to the Order, the Lodges, and your Rise, my brother, and exchange the darkness for the light! brethren; and to encourage you to persevere. He rises, and the bandage is taken from his eyes. He is also divested of I present you with the apron and gloves, the collar, searf, and the black tunic, which is replaced by the white one of the Order, and of the jewel of the Order. The colors of these decorations are white, red, red cap and coif. and black. For wholn this latter color, the emblem of sorrow and if. 0.—We acknowledge you as the servant of the poor, the sick mourning, is worn, you will know at a proper time. 1 and the unfortunate, and as having consecrated yourself to the it I present you with the sword of a Knight, to enable you to service of the Order. maintain the rights of Masonry and of men, and to punish their Oand.—I acknowledge myself as such. enemies and tyrants. If in that contest you should fall, you will if. 0.—Do you promise and vow that you will never reveal the have fulfilled the noblest destiny of a Knight and gentleman; and secrets of this degree of Masonry to any person in the world who surely it is a sweet and glorious fate to die for the Fraternity. is not authorized to receive them? Is- The Tur. invests him with the sword-belt, and tmcliles it. Oand.—I do. So help me God! if. 0.—Do you promise and vow that, if occasion should offer, if. 0.—I present you with the spurs of a Knight. [The Marshal you will not flee from plag-uc, pestilence or epidemic, to avoid dan- buckles them on.] As you have worn them worthily, so may you ger, when duty and manhood require you to remain; but will wear them with honor! God forbid that for any act of base un- imitate the example of those Knights of Bremen and Lubec, who, worthiness you should ever be deprived of them! making their sails into tents, devoted themselves to the care and I present you with the pallium or mantle of the Order. [Shows nursing of the sicli and wounded; and so became the founders of him the cross upon it] This cross is the sign of the Order, which this Order? we command you constantly to wear. Ocznd.—I do. So help me God! if. 0.—Do you now promise and vow that you will never desert The new brother kisses the sign of the cross, and the E. C. throws the mantle over his shoulders, and kissing him, says: the post of duty though fear of death; however humble that duty, iIs- and however unnoticed your death may be; but in plague or battle, if. 0.—Take this sign in the name of God, for the increase of in fire or tempest, you will stand firm at your post, so long as man- faith, the defense of the Order, and the service of the poor. We hood and duty demand, whatever may be the consequences to your- 1$ place this cross upon your breast, my brother, that you may love VI self; and even should you perish in doing so? it with all your heart; and may your right hand ever fight in its Cand.—I do. So help inc God! defense and for its preservation, as the symbol of knightly Masonry. 11 if. 0.—Kneel, then, once more, before me. Should it ever happen that in cor~bating against the enemies of He does so. The E. C. draws his sword, and with the flat of the blade gives human freedom and the rights of conscience, you retreat, desert him rhe accolade on the left shoulder, right shoulder, and head, at the words, your standard, and talse to flight in so just a war, you will be respectively, “constitute,” ‘‘create,’’ and ‘‘duh,’’ saying: stripped of this sign, according to the statutes and customs of the if. C.—By my authority and power as Commander-in-Chief of Order, as having broken the vows you have just will this Chapter, and in the name of the Grand Master of the Order, be cut off from our body as an unsound and corrupt member. -if

Ii 314 TWENT~SEVENTH DEGREE TWENTY-SIdVENTH DEGREE 315 Fastening the strings 0 C the mantle round the neck: if. 0.—Brother Knight Marshal, are you a Knight Commander Receive the yoke of the Order; for it is easy and light, and with ii’ of the Temple? it you shall reap honor. We promise you nothing but bread and Mar.—I have received the five trophies and know the five excel- water, and a simple habit of little value; but we give you, what is lent qualities of a true soldier of the Temple of Solomon. far more than all and above all insignia and jewels, a share in the if. 0.—What are the colors of a Knight Commander of the good works performed by our Order, and by our brethren, and in V Temple? its glories, heretofore, now and hereafter throughout the norid. Mar.—White, red, and black. My brethren, embrace youi’ new brother, in token of friendship, if. 0—Of what do these colors always remind us? peace, and brotherly love. Mar.—Of the three vows; of Chastity, Obedience, and Poverty. All the hrethren do so; after which the E. C. says: if. 0.—In whose charge are the five great lights of the Chapter’! Ma s—Humility, of the Turcopolier; Temperance, of the Draper; Receive now the ~ if 1 P. C. & S. V. Is Chastity, of the Hospitaler; Generosity, of the Marshal; and Honor, of the whole Chapter. F. C—Attention, Commanders! You will recognize as a mem- if. 0.—Honor is the life of a true Knight. ber of our Chapter, and as a Chief of our Masonic bodies, the ii if. 0.—Brother Knight Grand Hospitaler, what is the hour of Knight Commander N. . . ., and will now join me in applauding a Knight Commander of the Temple? his admission to this degree! - I lIon—Tlw present; that is to say, every hour in turn. The E. C. and all the Knights give the full battery with their hands, and if. 0.—Since every hour is ours and has its duties, let us implore - then gave three times the answer to the sign of recogn,tion, with the two the assistance of our Father who is in heaven, to enable us to per- IV fingers on the mouth, crying at each time, Oze [pronouncedo-rayJ. If the candidate pleases, he returns his thanks, hut out of respect does not return form those duties! the plaudit. After which he is conducted to a seat at the tahie. 411 kneel in their places at the table, and the Chap. o~ers a

TO CLOSE PRAYER if. O.—Attention, Commanders! If any one has any matter of All rise. business to bring before us, or any other matter for the interest of if. 0.—Attention, Commanders. Join me in the final ceremonies the Chapter, of the Order or of Masonry iii general, the floor is and the renewal of our vows! tendered to him. All draw their swords and extend them as in the opening, the points meet- When nothing more remains to be done: Ing in the center. Then the E. C. says: vi F. C.—Since no one has anything further to offer or propose, if. 0.—As these swords point to one common center, so may we II I shall proceed to close the work of this fortunate session. he of one mind, one heart, and one soul; devoting our swords to F. O.—Attention, Commanders! Before we close our labors, I the cause of freedom, our hearts to the glory of God, our intellects recommend to you the relief of suffering humanity, according to to the enlightenment of men, and our hands to works of charity! the means of each! AU—Amen! The box of fraternal assistance is placed On the table by the 1st Lieut., if. 0.—To order, Knights! and each deposits has contribution. All stand under order. Then the Tur. raps ++~I +++; the Mar. and the Id. C. ‘.H-~+ ~ F. O.—Attention, Commanders! I pray you be +++ ~ ‘l~; ~ ~ ~+~} Then the E. C. gives the sign. of recognition to the Knight on his right, who pleased to hend me your assistance in closing this Chapter of makes the answer; and it is so done around the circle, and returns to the E. C. Knights Commanders of the Temple. if. 0.—In the name of the Most Eminent Grand Master of the

I K iV C Is& -i Is, SuIs

316 TWENTYSEVENTH DEGREE Iji Order of Knights Commanders of the Temple, and under the aus-

pices, etc., I declare this Chapter to be duly closed, to stand closed, IsIs until, etc., Reverend Brother Chaplain, be pleased to deliver the I usual charge at parting! TWENTY-EIGHTH DEGREE—KNIGHT OF THE SUN, OR PRINCE ADEPT II The Knights form the chain, and the Chap. says: Ohap—All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets! Bodies of this degree are styled Councils. fi Be not overcome of evil; but overcome evil with good. THE COUNCIL CHAMBER—ITS FURNITURE, ETC. As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, :1 The chamber is lighted by a single light. This is a great globe of especially unto them that are of the household of Faith! ii- ground glass, in the South, containing a powerful light. It represents the Endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of sun. The only additional light is from the transparencies. peace! a4 (Is In the East is suspended a transparency, displaying the sign of the Do all things without murmurings and disputings! That Isi Macrocosm or of the Seal of Solomon, the interlaced triangles, one white ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of light, without rebuke, and the other black. 44 I Above the transparency in the East are, in gilded letters, the words shining as lights in the midst of the profane world I VV Lax e Tenebris. All—Amen! So mote it be! In the West is suspended a transparency, displaying the sign of the if. 0.—My brethren, go in peace, and love one another always. Microcosm or the Pentagram, traced on a pure white ground with lines Is of vermilion, and with a sinigle point upward. hi In the South, near the great light, is a painting, representing the Temple of Solomon. At the entrance to it, to which an ascent by seven steps is represented, is painted a man, holdingin his arms a white lamb, between the columns of Jachin and Boas. In each corner of the chamber is suspended, about six feet above the floor, an equilateral triangle of wood or metal, its three sides colored respectively, white, black, and red, and each side measuring about 18 inches. In the North is a transparency, on which the following figure appears: On the right hand of the presiding officer, in the East, on a gilt pedestal, is a caduceu.s, gilded, the upper part of it a cross, surmounted by a globe, and with two serpents twining around it, their heads rising ‘I above the cross. On the right hand of the officer in the West, on a white pedestal, is a white dove, its wings folded; and on the left hand, on a black pedestal, 44 a black raven, its wings extended, as if just alighting. On the East, West, and South of the altar, in the center of the cham- [V ber, are three candlesticks, the candles not burning; and over each candlestick the letter S. The ceiling of the chamber should represent the heavens, with the crescent moon in the West; the principal planets, and the stars in the constellations Taurus and Orion, and those near the pole-star. The altar is square in form, with a gilded horn at each corner. On it is a plate of white marble, of its whole size, upon which is gilded or inlaid in gold the Pentagram. Upon this lies the book of constitutions, open, and near it a censer wherein to burn incense. [317] ~1 319 TWENTY.EIGHTH DEtI~REE 318 TWENTY~EIGHTR DEGREE

THE OFFICERS—THEIR STATIONS, CLOTHING, ETC. of gold; Tsaphiel, of silver; and Hamaliel, of polished copper. The banners of Michael, Gabriel, Aunel, and Hamaliel are fringed will’ silver; The presiding officer is styled ‘‘Father Adam.” He sits in the East, those of the others with gold. clothed in a saffron-colored or pale yellow robe, and wearing his hat. The other members of the Council are termed Aralim. [Plural of In his right hand he holds a scepter, its handle gilded, and on the top Aral, Lion of God; hero.] They wear the collar and apron, but no robe. a globe of gold. His jewel is a sun of gold, suspended by a chain of gold, Their jewel is a five-pointed star, suspended by a flame-colored ribbon and worn over the neck. The reverse side of the jewel is a hemisphere of to a button-hole of the coat. gold, showing the northern half of the ecliptic and zodiac, with the signs Of these brethren, one acts as Herald, oneas Expert, and one as Tyler. from Tanrns to Libra inclusive. When the degree is conferred, no jewel or apron is worn. TO OPEN There is bnt one Warden. He sits in the West, and is called “Brother Truth.” He wears a rose-coloredrobe, and bears a white rod, at the end When Father Adam is pmpared to open the Council he assumes his station, A of which is an eye of gold. This jewel is like that of Father Adam. raps ~, and says: The order of the degree is also worn by each of these officers. It is a Father A.—My brethren, I propose now to open this Comicil Ii broad, white, watered ribbon, worn as a collar. On the right side is painted an eye of gold. of Knights of the Sun. Let the officers assume their stations, and The apron is of pure white lambskin, with no edging or ornament all the brethren give me their assistance! Brother Truth, satisfy I, except the peutagram, which is traced on the middle of it with ver- yourself that all present are Adepts and Knights of the Sun ujilion. There are seven other officers, who are styled, collectively, “The The War. carefully ascertains that all are so (by receiving the signs and Seven Malakoth” [Kings,Envoys, Angels3, and, separately, “the first, words, if necessary), and reports: second, third,’’ etc., Malak, or, ‘‘Brothers Gabriel, Auriel, Michael, Raphael, Zarakhiel, Hamaliel, and Tsaphicl.” The first is called “Malak Bro. T.~~Venerablc Father Adam, all present are Adepta and Malalcoth.” Knights of the Sun. These officers wear robes of a bright flame color, with the cordon of Father A.—Let all be clothed, then, and prepare to attend to V the degree, and for a jewel a seven-pointed star of gold. They wear their duties. In the meantime, Brother Truth, let the Herald make also the apron. The jewel may be suspended from the eollnr, or worn the usual proclamation! at the bottom-hole. Bro. T.~Brother Herald, make the usual proclamation, to the These officers are stationed thus: Cabriel sits in the north-east, having on his right hand his banner, end that this Council may be safely opened! square in shape, of crimson silk, having upon it the figure of an eagle, The 1-lerald sounds his trumpet and the sign of the planet Jupiter. Michael, in the south-east, having on his right hand his banner of fler.—Shemao! Shemno! Sbemao! If there be any one here black silk, of like shape, bearing the figure of a lion, and the sign of the planet Saturn. present whose heart is not free from envy, guile, or malice, whose Auxiel, in the south-west, his banner of flame-colored silk, of like conscience does not acquit him of any disregard of his Masonic shape, on his right, bearing the figure of a bull, and the sign of the obligations, who has any quarrel -~vith a brother Mason unreconciled, planet Mars. who is disloyal to his country, lukewarm in the cause of suffering Raphael, iu the north-west, his banner of green silk, of like shape, on humanity, or disobedient to the laws of God and Masonry, let him his right, bearing the figure of a man, and the sign of the planet Mercury. Zarakhiel, in front of Father Adam, his banner of purple silk, of forthwith depart from the presence of the holy light into outer like shape, on his right, bearing the sign of the Sun. darkness! Tsaphiel, in front of Brother Truth, his banner of white silk, of like Father A.~~—Brother Truth, cause the Herald to ascertain if we shape, on his right, bearing the sign of the Muon. are in security, and to warn the guards to be vigilant, that we may And Hamaliel, in the South, his banner of blue silk, of like shape, on not be surprised or disturbed! his right) hearing the sign of the planet Venus. Bro. T.—Brother Herald! see that we are in security, and warn Gabriel wears also bracelets of pure tin; Michael, of lead; Auriel of the guards tobe vigilant, that we may not be surprised or disturbed! steel Raphael, of hollow glass, partly filled with quicksilver; Zarakhiel, 4~ iV

320 TWENTY-EIGhTH DEGREE “41 TWENTY-EIGHTR DEGREE 321 The Herald goes out, returns, raps +~f-~~ on the door, which is answered ‘V hy ~ without, returns to his place, and says: V extended, the thumh and last two fingers closed; and Father A. repeats the I 1 Her.—Excellent Brother Truth, the guards are at their posts following. and duly warned, and we are in security. PRAYER Bro. T.—Venerable Father Adam, we are in security, and the 4i~ approaches to the Council are duly guarded. -I Father A.—O uncreated reason, spirit of light and wisdom, Father A. [Rapping ~ all rise] —Brother Gabriel, what whose breath gives and withdraws the form of everything! The great truth in Masonry is taught in the house of Jupiter? universe is thy utterance and revelation. Thou, before whom the 4ij life of beings is a shadow that changes, and a vapor that passes 4 V Ga—That there is but one God, uncreated, eternal, infinite, in- i—I away! Thou breathest forth, and the endless spaces are people; effable. thou drawest breath, and all that went forth from thee returns to Father A.—Brother Michael, what great Truth in Masonry is thee again. Unending movement, in eternal permanence! we adore 4, taught in the house of Saturn? and wors~iip thee with awe and reverence. We praise and bless Mi—That the soul of man is immortal, and his present life but 141 thee in the changing empire of created light, of shadows, of re- a point in the center of eternity. V4 flections, and of images; and we incessantly aspire toward thy im- Father A.—Brother Auriel, what great truth in Masonry is movable and imperishable splendor. Let the ray of thy intelligence taught in the house of Mars? and the warmth of thy love reach even unto us! Then what is mov- Au—Harmony is in equilibrium; and equilibrium subsists by able will be fixed, the shadows become a body, the dream a thought. the analogy of contraries. Incline us, 0 Spirit of Spirits! to obey thy will! Help us, 0 Eternal Father A—Brother Raphael, what great Truth in Masonry is Soul of Souls! to perform our duties! 0 imperishable breath of taught in the house of Mercury? life, 0 mouth that givest and takest away the existence of all be- Ra.—Analogy is the key of all the secrets of nature, and the ings, in the flow and reflow of thy eternal word, which is the divine sole reason of being of all revelations. ocean of movement and of truth, make our efforts to do good ef- Father A.—Brother Zarakhiel, what great Truth in Masonry is fectual, and let the light of thy divine truth shine in the souls of taught in the house of the Sun? all mankind! Amen! Za.—The absolute is reason. Reason exists through itself. It is; When the prayer is ended, all rise, and remain standing. Then Father A. because it is, and not because it is supposed. says: Father A.—Brother Tsaphiel, what great Truth in Masonry is V taught in the house of the Moon? Father A.—Brother Truth, what is the hour? Tsa.—What is above is like what is below; and what is below is Bro. T.—Venerable Father Adam, among the profane it is mid- like what is above. The visible is the manifestation of the Invisible. night; but in our Council the sun is on the meridian. Father A.—Brother Hamaliel, what great Truth in Masonry is Father A.—Then, in the name of the Supreme Deity, let us be- taught in the house of Venus? gin our labors! Brother Truth, make known to the Malak Gabriel, Ha—That evil and wrong and misery are the necessary dis- and let him make known to all the Malakoth and Aralim, that it is cords that unite with the concords of the universe to make one great midday in this Council, and it is about to be opened. harmony forever. Bro. T.—Brother Gabriel, make known to all the Malakoth and Father A.—Even so let us always believe and hope! My breth- Aralim that it is midday in this Council, and that the Venerable ren? prayer is no more useless than good works. Let us pray. Father Adam is now about to open it. Ga —Hear, Malakoth and Aralim! it is midday in this Council All Irneel on the right knee, raise the right hand toward heaven and extend tile left hand downward, each with the forefinger and middle finger of Knights of the Sun, and it is now about to be opened by the Venerable Father Adam. Is. Vl~ 323 322 TWENTY-EIGHTH DEGREE TWENTY-EIGHTH DEGREE Vi— F Cand.—I can. 44 Father A.—My brethren, answer the sign! The hrethren aU give the sign. Then Father A. says: Her.—Are you willing hereafter to write the favors done you on 14 the marble, the injuries upon the sands? Father A.—With me, my brethren! i~4 Oancl.—I am.

Re and all the hrethrea give the hattery with their hands; and he declares, Is~ Her.—Wait, then, with patient cheerfulness, until the Venerable dl in the usual form, that the Council is opened. Master and the brethren are informed of your desire and your 14 responses, and until their decision is made known. RECEPTION 44- The Herald closes the door, and reports to the Warden: The candidate, having been duly elected, is prepared hy being clothed as Rose Croix, except the sword; or he may wear the order and jewel of any Her.—Excellent Brother Truth, the aspirant has answered in higher degree, below this. He is then told to enter the ante-room, where he the affirmative all the necessary questions. 44 finds three Aralim, one of whom is drawing designs on a board with chalk, another is doing the same with charcoal, and a third, with a pair of bellows, Bro. T.—Vcnerable Father Adam, the aspirant has answered in is blowing a fire, on which is an earthen pot or great orucitle, containing melted the affirmative all the necessary questions. metal. These pay no attention to him, and do not answer, if he addresses them. Father A.—Since such is the case, Excellent Brother Truth, let I After a few minutes, another Aral comes to him, and throws a thick black cloth over his head, completely blindfolding him, and then places him at the him be admitted, and received according to the ancient ceremony. door of the Council-chamber, and tells him to knock six times, by three and three, and to answer truly such questions as may be asked him. One of the Aralim, acting as Master of the Ceremonies, goes out, takes the aspirant by the right hand, and leads him into the chamber. Two others have On hearing the alarm, the Herald, who will be near the door, says: -V in the meantime stationed themselves near the door, each armed with a drawn hi Iier.—Excellcnt Brother Truth, some one, having passed the sword. As soon as the aspirant enters, Brother Truth cries in a loud, harsh guards, gives an unusual alarm at the door of the Council-chamber. tone: 4 Bro, T.—Vcnerablc Father Adam, some one having passed the Bro. T.—Halt! guard, gives an unusual alarm at the door of the Council-chamber. Father A.—Let the Herald ascertain who makes the alarm, and, The two armed brethren immediately place the points of their swords against the aspirant’s right and left breasts, and the Herald ties his hands if it be the aspirant, ask him the necessary questions. behind him with a cord. The Herald goes to the door, opens it slightly and asks: Bro. T.—Nature is revelation; and the light of truth shines ‘4 Her.—Who hails? everywhere in the world. The want of faith, and the refusal to Cand.—A Knight Rose Croix and Commander of the Temple. reason, of men, interposing, make the shadows. Man is blindfolded Her.—What is your name? by himself. Cancl.—A. .. . B. ... Magism, which the ancients called the Sanctum Reg- H’er.—Do you desire to approach the great light? num, or Holy Empire, or the kingdom of Deity, is made for kings Oancl.—I do. and priests alone. Are you a priest? Are you a king? Have you IIer.—Are you prepared to receive instruction with humility, the capacity, the energy, the courage, and the knowledge to teach to allow your prejudices and wrong opinions to be overcome by and to rule other men? The priesthood of Magism is not an ordi- reason, and to listen with reverence to the lessons of the ancient nary priesthood, and its royalty has no controversy with the sages? princes of this world. Cancl.—I am. He who is in love with his own ideas, and dreads to lose lIer.—Can you look hereafter with pitying sympathy on the them; he who fear new truths, and is not disposed to doubt every- diseases of the spirit and the intellect, as you do on those of the thing rather than admit anything at random, should not seek to body; and not with hatred or anger, or a desire to punish or to learn the lessons of this degree. They will be useless and dangerous persecute? tohim. He will misunderstand them and be troubled by them; but

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TWENTY-EIGHTH DEGREE 325 324 TWENTY-EIGHTH DE6REE he will be yet more troubled if by chance he should comprehend OBLIGATION them. f I, , in the presence of the great First Cause that by a -Is —— If you. prefer anything in the world to reason, truth, and thought produced the universe, do solemnly and sacredly promise justice; if your will is uncertain and wavering, whether in the 44’- that I will never intentionally, or by grave negligence, reveal, or good or the evil; if logic alarms you and the naked truth makes allow to be made known, any of the signs, words, or other secrets

you blush; if to assail received errors is to wound you, seek not V — —s of this degree, to any person not legally entitled to receive them.

to become an adept. You will not comprehend the secrets which ______That [will never confer or aid in conferring this degree, a few only understand, and which these few will not reveal. To until I shall have scrupulously inquired into the life and reputation show the light to birds of night is to conceal it from them, since it of the applicant, and become satisfied upon competent evidence, or blinds them, and is darker to them than the darkness. of mypersonal knowledge, of his understanding, honor, and charity, Behind thee is the outer world; before thee the unknown; and his zeal for Masonry; and that I will not confer it, or art thou still resolute to advance? assist in confer ring it, upon an intolerant bigot, nor upon any Gand —I am. V — person whatever, without permission and authority of a regular I The aspirant is conducted to the altar, and placed near it, on the west of Council; or, in a place where there is no Council of the Supreme it, facing the East. Brother T. now says to him: Council of the thirty-third degree, or of a Consistory of Frinces of Bro. T—My brother, you stand before the altar of obligation the Royal Secret, or a Sovereign or Deputy Inspector-General. of the Princes of the True Science, Adepts and Knights of the Sun. — That I will earnestly strive to understand and make my We do not ask you whether your judgment and reason assent own all the instruction of this degree; and that I will, at all times to all you have heard. If you are merely undecided and in doubt, hereafter, keep and practice all the lessons of morality and virtue you may properly proceed. But if in the lessons you have received i which shall result from the great truths to be taught me herein. there be anything that shocks your prejudices qr seems to you And should I will fully or knowingly violate this my irreligious, so that you absolutely refuse to admit it as true, you solemn obligation, I consent to be held and everywhere denounced ought not to receive this degree; nor should we, knowing this, per- as forsworn, and worthy only to be execrated by men and Masons. mit you to do it. If you desire to withdraw, you are still at liberty Amen! to do so. Do you choose to proceed? Bro. T—Rise, my brother! Brother Master of Ceremonies, permit the aspirant to see the light! If he declines he is conducted from the chamber, and respectfully dismissed. If he is resolved to proceed, the War, continues: M. of C. takes the cloth from the candidate ‘s head. At the same moment

— V the incense in the censer is lighted, the brethren all kneel on one knee, and War—We rejoice at your determination. Having elected to Father A., who has remained in his seat, repeats the following procce&It is now ne&ssary that you should assume the obligation / of this degree, which, like those of the other degrees of Masonry, V — PRAYER will pledge you to nothing irreligious, immoral, illegal, or improper. Brother Master of Ceremonies, free the aspirant from his bonds, Father A.—Our Father, the one God! Hear us, thy erring, that he may not assume the obligation under duress; and let him feeble children, while we bow to thee in adoration! Thou didst kneel at the holy altar in due and proper form! create the universe with a thought, and breathe into man a living soul. We adore thy majesty, and humbly submit to thy providence, lie is unbound, and made to kneel on both knees, holding a horn of the altar with each hand. Father A. raps ++4, and all the Malakoth and Aralim to revere thy justice, and trust like little children to thy mercy, surround him, Brother T. standing in front of him, on the east of the altar, and acknowledge with penitence and humility our weaknesses and the Malakoth in a circle round them, clasping hands, and the Aralim sur- errors! rounding them in an outer circle, also clasping hands. He then repeats after the War, the following Our life is vanity, and our days pass away like a tale that is N 327 4~Is TWENTY-EIGHTH DEGREE 326 TWENTY-EIGHTH DEGREE Each brother places his right hand, open on his heart, and then raises it told, and as the remembrance of a passenger tha~t stayeth but a above his head, the forefinger extended and pointing toward heaven, the thumb and other fingers closed, in which position they remain. The M. of C. hands night! The days of our pilgrimage are few and sorrowful, and isVA I the cup to the Master, who hands it to the candidate, saying: in vain we disquiet ourselves, as a bird beateth its wings against -VA’ the bars of its cage! Father A.—Take this! but before you taste the salt, repeat Bless, 0 our Father, those of us who are now here assembled! after me: The candidate then repeats this [f Aid us in the keeping and perfect observance of all the duties which ~fr~V we have in anywise assumed to perform. Enable us to abide by s-f ~s1 the promises which we have made to one another! Give to us a FINAL OBLIGATION I more ample and complete understanding of our obligations as 4- In the name of God, Amen! I do solemnly and sincerely swear, brethren of our beloved Order, as men and as citizens! Bless, and to each brother here present, and every other true and loyal increase, and extend that Order among all nations and tongues Knight of the Sun and Prince Adept in the world, give my solemn where Thy being is recognized! Preserve its principles and pur- pledge, that I will never fail to aid a brother Knight of the Sun poses from innovation. Sustain it against the assaults of ignor- in his necessities, to assist his widow and orphans, to advance his ance and malice; prevent its being used for improper purposes, interest, and encourage him in his business or profession. and forgive its errors! And to thee and thy ineffable name be all I do solemnly and sincerely swear, and in like manner give my praise forever! Amen! solemn pledge, that I will ever vindicate the truth, assert freedom When the prayer is ended all rise, and the War, and brethren return to of opinion in matters philosophical and religious, discountenance their stations and seats, leaving the M. of C. and candidate at the altar. persecution and endeavor to eradicate error; and that I will not Father A.—Malakoth and Aralim, surround the holy altar, to divulge to the profane any of the secret mysteries or doctrines of administer the final obligation to this aspirant. Lhe Knights of the Sun. 41 I And to seal this my sacred obligation, I do now taste this salt The brethren all assemble round the altar. The Malakoth form the inner circle, leaving space on the east side for Father A., Brother T., and the [he does sol ; and should I ever violate this oath and pledge, or aspirant; and the Aralini form a circle around them. Father A. and Brother prove faithless, false, or disloyal may it become a deadly poison T. leave their stations and repair to the altar, and, taking the aspirant be- ii’ inmy blood, and as the water of bitterness of the children of Israel. tween them, complete the circle. The M. of C. bears in his hand a gilded cup ~il~ containing salt, and stands on the right of Father A. When the circles are So help me, God! Amen! formed, Father A. says: After the obligation, all return to their places, except the new brother and Father A.—My brother, among the ancient Arabians, who were the M. of C.; and Father A. says: our earliest masters, even an enemy, with whom one had tasted salt, Father A.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, invest our new was sae~ed, and his person inviolable. In imitation of those whose brother with the collar and jewel of the degree, and give him the fathers remembered the flood, we continue the ancient ceremony, signs, token, and words. and with it seal our most solemn pledges. After Vi4iat ancient custom we shall now pledge you faith and brotherhood, and require of The M. of C. invests him with the collar and jewel; and then communicates you the final obligation. the The M. of C. hands the cup to the Master, who places upon his tongue, and swallows, a little of salt, saying: ‘‘I will be true and loyal to this brother. ThV. & S. V. So HzLP M~ GOD!” He then hands the cup to the M. of C., who does and says M. of 0.—The old and corrupted rituals give, as the answer to the same; each Malak does and says the same in turn, and then Brother T.; and the cup is then handed to one of the Arahim, all of whom perform the the pass-word, Al Bracst or Erkaibra. Of what the latter is a same ceremony. The cup is then returned to the M. of C. corruption we can not discover. The word as now given to you means ‘The splendor of God.” Father A.—To order, brethren! is A~sIs

328 TWENTY-EIGHTH DEGREE TWENTY-EIGHTH DEGREE 329 The same rituals give for the sacred word, . This is used in so many degrees as to be distinctive of none; and the Supreme that the hour of seven having passed, it is my pleasure that this Is’ Council be now closed. Council has therefore adopted that now given you, as most appro- V~ A’ Bro. T.—Brother Gabriel, mal~e known to all the Malakoth and priate to this degree, and occurring in no other. A Aralim that the hour of seven having passed, it is the pleasure of The sign and answer are sometimes given together, as you have the Venerable Father Adam that this Council be now closed. seen. The answer, say the old rituals, means that there is one God, Vsjs~ the source of real truth; ~andtherefore there can he hut one religion, ~,;1 Ga.—Hear, Malakoth and Aralim! The hour of seven is passed, and it is the pleasure of the Venerable Father Adam that this that which Adam received from the Creator. -r Council he now closed. When the M. of C. has communicated the signs, words, and token, he says: -i ii; Father A.—My brethren, answer the sign! Al. of 0.—Venerable Father Adam, the new brother is in pos. The sign is given and returned as in opening. Then Father A, strikes seven, session of the signs, words, and token. slowly, with a small bell, and afterward says: Father A.—Brother, be seated. si~ Father A—With me, my brethren! TO CLOSE A’ He and all give the battery with their hands; then he and all give the plaudit, thus; placing the right hand on the heart, each says ‘‘Wisdom”’ After the usual formulas of ascertaining if any one wishes to be heard, raising it to the height of a,id in front of the forehead, the forefinger raised, and of presenting the box of fraternal assistance, Father A. says: the thumb and other fingers closed, each says ‘‘Bonier!’’ letting the hand fall by the side, each says “Beauty!’’ This is done three times. Father A.—Brothcr Truth, at what hours do our labors end? Bro. T.—At seven and ten, Venerable Father Adam. Father A.—In the name of the divine source of all that is, and under the auspices, etc., . . . I declare this Council of Knights of Father A.—Have the hours arrived? the Sun or Princes Adept to he duly closed. Swear, my brethren, Bro. T.—The hour of seven is past. It is not yet ten, to keep profoundly secret from the profane and all improper per- Father A.—Is the great work advanced ‘I Does the matter take U sons all that has heen here done and said while the Council has shape? remained open. Bro. T.—Thc work advances; antagonism disappears, and harmony rcsults. Each raising his hand, as before, says, ‘‘iii swear’’ Father A.—Since the hour of seven is past, and the work ad- Father A—My brethren, go in peat’e! vances, we may rest for a time from our labors. Have the brethren need of rest? Bro. T.—They have. Fitbher A.—Labor and rest obey the universal law. It is time to close this Council, that, refreshed by rest, the brethren may renew their labors. Brother Trath, let the Malakoth and Aralim hear the last lesson of the northern sages. Is. Bro. T.—Riches pass away like shadows on the water; they are the most inconstant of friends. Those that arc dear to us die; and our friendships are not immortal. All men stand upon the margins of their graves; and one thing alone is beyond the reach of fate; the judgment that is passed upon the dead. Father A—Brother Truth, make known to the Chief Malak, Gabriel, and let him make known to all the Malakoth and Aralim, ‘I V V

TWENTY-NINTH DEGREE 331 9. Captain of the Guard. TWENTY-NINTH DEGREE—KNIGHTS OF’ ST. ANDREW Si’ 10. Hospitaler. 11. Sentinel. The Knights are all dressed in crimson robes, with a deep scarlet sash This degree—one of those in the second class of the Areopagus, around the waist, a green collar edged with crimson about the neck, to which the Jewel is suspended, and a white silk sash worn from the left I styled The Grand Elect—is intended to inculcate equality—repre- shoulder to the right hip, ornamented with gold fringe. On the left breast senting the poor knight equal to the monarch, and exhibits the is the large white Cross of St. Nndrew. requisites of knighthood; protection to the defenseless and inno- The Jewel is two interlaced triangles, formed by arcs of large circles, cent, the possession of virtue, patience, and firmness—and repre- with the concave outward, made of gold, and inclosing a pair of? com- sents the knight as the exponent of truth, and one alike without fear passes open to 25 degrees. At the bottom, and to one of the points, is suspended a St. Andrew’s Cross of gold, surmounted by a knight’s hel- and without reproach. met; on the center of the cross is the letter J., inclosed in an equilateral triangle, and this again in a ring formed by a winged serpent; between APNRTIMENTS AND THEIR DECORATIONS, ETC. the two lower arms of the cross may be suspended a key. Assemblies of this degree are styled Chapters. Two apartments are necessary, beside the preparation-room. The Battery is mine, by two, three and four. THE FIRsT APARTMENT OFFICERS AND THEIR COSTUMES IN THE COURT OF SALAD1N The hangings are crimson, supported by white columns; seats of the Master and Wardens, crimson, with gilt ornaments, while those of all The throne is occupied by the Master of Ceremonies, who represents the other Knights are blue. the Sultan, while the Grand Master represents Hugh of Tiberias, Lord In each corner of the Chapter-room is a St. Andrew’s Cross, and nine of Galilee. The Senior Warden represents Malek Adhel, brother of? the lights, by threes, are on the East, West, and South sides of the altar, in Sultan (Malek Ndhel, Sayf-eddin—the just king and sword of religion). the center of theroom. During a Reception this hall represents the court The Junior Warden, in the South, represents Malek Modaffer, Talii-eddin of Salah-eddin (Saladin), the great sultan of Egypt and Syria. No Ma- —(the victorious king, and devoted to religion) Prince of Hamah and sonic emblems appear. A roll of parchment, representiu~ the Koran, lies Nephew of the Sultan. The Senior Deacon, seated on the right hand of? on a table in front of the throne, and Saracenic sti~ndards, displaying the throne, is Malek Daher—(triumphant king)—son of the Sultan and the Crescent, stand near the seats of the Grand Master and the Wardens. Prince of Aleppo; the Junior Deacon, on the left of the throne, Malek The Chapter-room at this time is hung with green and gold. Ottomans, in Afdel—(excellent king)—son of the Sultan and Prince of Damascus; lieu of chairs, and other Saracenic and Eastern properties, should be dis- and the Captain of the Guard—who accompanies the Grand Master, and, posed about the hall. after introducing him, seats himself on the right of the Senior Warden, the Emir of Emessa. THE SECOND APARTMENT The Knights all wear the Turkish costume—that is, the wide trousers, vest, and turban all white, and a red sash round the waist, with a scimi- The second apartment should be a well-furnished room, in the Eastern ‘-S tar. style, arranged with accommodations for washing, and containing a Behind the throne is a banner, in the shape of a shroud, white, on table, on which are a cross-hilted sword, and a Bible or Koran. which in black are these words: “Salah-eddin, king of kings—Salah-eddin, OFFICERS AND THEIR DRESS WHEN IN THE CHAPTER victor of victors—Salah-eddin, must die.” 1. Venerable Grand Master. 2. Senior Warden. OPENING 3. Junior Warden. 4. Master of Ceremonies. G. Al. I +++]—Sir Knights, I am about to open this Chapter 5. Senior Deacon. of Knights of Ecossais of St. Andrew: you will clothe and arm your- 6. Junior Deacon. selves, and the officers will assume their respective stations. 7. Treasurer. Sir Knight Grand Captain of’ the Guard, are all present Knights 8. Secretary. Ecossais of St. Andrew? [330] ‘43 333 332 TWEI’~f?TY-NINTH DEGREE TWENTY-NINTH DEGREE H C. of G.—Venerable Grand Master, alt present have seen the S. W.—Sir Knights, a Chapter of Knights of St. Andrew is now Sultan of the Saracens upon his throne. open for the dispatch of business. Captain of the Guard, inform Ii 0. 111.—You will take order, then, Sir Knights that the avenues the Sentinel. t+ I of approach be duly guarded, that we may suffer no interruption. C. of G.—Venerable Grand Master, the avenues are duly RECEPTION guarded, and we are in security. 0. M.—Sir Knights, prepare for a reception. Sir Knight Senior 0. 211.—Sir Knight Senior Warden, what was the original occu- Warden, the Chapter is subject to your government. pation of this Order I The M. of C. Is dressed in Turkish costume of a rich nature, wearing in ~S.W.—To rebuild the churches in the Holy Land, destroyed by front of the turban a large brilliant, and immediately above it the Crescent; the Saracens—as our ancient brethren fought in the rebuilding, of the candidate is in full Turkish costume, and is in the preparation-room with the M. of C. All the knights are in their places, except the G. M., whose throne the Temple, with the sword in one hand and the trowel in the other. is vacant. The armed Sentinel on the outside throws the doors open, and the 0. M—To what do we now devote ourselves? NI. of C., accompanied by the candidate or Grand Bailiff (Malek Dalier), S. W.—To active charity and practical philanthropy, especially enters the hall, which is blazing with light, advances to the throne—the Knights all rising and hewing—and is seated upon it, with the candidate seated upon inculcating toleration nnd discountenancing bitterness and strife. his right hand. G. Al—Knights, you hear what duties your knightly obligation The G. M. is dressed as a prisoner, and loaded with heavy chains, and requires of you. Renew now to each other your solemn promise, being taken charge of by the C. of 0. (Einir of Emessa), goes to the deer, made -when you were admitted to this degree, that you will ever where the Sentinel receives the pass-word, and admits them. They advance to and faithfully perform them. the East, and the Emir makes a deep obeisance to the Sultan. Omnes—We vow. M. of 0.—Brave Emir of Emessa, whence come you, and whom G. M.—Fail not to keep the promise. bring you with you in chains? Sir Knight Grand Hospitaler, kno-west thou of any popr, sick, C. of 0—King of kings, from Ascalon, where we have defeated or distressed knight, or of the widow or orph an of one deceased, the Christian invaders in a hard-fought battle, and taken many who needs our aid or is entitled to our sympathy? prisoners—one of the chief of whom, lAugh of Tiberias, the Lord of Hosp —I do not, Venerable Grand Master. Galilee, I have brought to thee, that thou mightest fix his ransom. 0. M.—Then, in the name of God and St. Andrew, let us open M. of 0.—Allah Akbar! Allah Kerim. The praise be to God! our Chapter, since it is high noon, and life is all too short for the Art thou the Lord of Galilee? work we have to do. Sir Knights, together. 0. M.—I am. -Itt Al. of 0.—I have heard of thy fame in a hundred battles; I have myself crossed swords with thee before the walls of Acre; thou art a brave knight, noble and courteous. EmiT, sayeth not the 0. M.—To the glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe, in Prophet, “Thou shalt not degrade the noble captive”? It was the name and under the auspices of the Supreme Council of Sov- not well done to load him with these chains. Have them at once ereign Grand Inspectors-General of the thirty-third degree of the removed, and when the knight hath eaten and refreshed himself, A. and A. Rite for the United States of America, their territories’ return again to my presence. and dependencies, and the Grand Consistory of Sublime Princes of The 0. M. and Eniir withdraw, and after a time return—the 0. M. treed the Royal Secret for the State of , and by virtue of the of his chains aad clothed in a new robe, and the Eiuir, after conducting him to a seat near the Sultan, repairs to his own place. authority on me conferred as , I declare this Chapter of Knights of St. Andrew open for the transaction of business. Sir Sir Knight of Tiberias, I do you all honor as a brave and loyal Knight Senior Warden, give notice to the Knights and the Captain knight; but—as the custom is among the followers of the Prophet— of the Guard. I must eKact of you a ransom proportioned to your rank as a 335 TWENTY~NINTH DEGREE 334 TWENTY-NINTfl DEGREE 0’S,. lord and your eminence as a warrior. Its amount will show the 0. M.~Princely Saladin, I thank thee most gratefully; and all

Christendom shall know how nobly thou hast dealt with me. Per- estimation in which I hold you; and I fix it at the sum of twice St fifty thousand hesants of gold. The choice is yours to pay the mit me, now, to retire and prepare for my journey—since, by my ransom or to lose your head. S.’ faith, the hundred thousand besants require me to be stirring, and

0. M.—Alas, princely Saladin, you give me in reality no option. 5” ‘~ will allow me but scant rest for the next two years. ‘I-,‘5’ It is beyond my power to pay the ransom, or the half of it. Were 5’ Al. of 0.—Thou hast permission, Knight. The noble Emir will ray lordship of Galilee and my principality Tiberias both sokl, H go with you and see you prepared at all points for your journey. I could not pay it. So even take my head; for, to a man impover- G.M. bows and retireS, but as he passes out at the door, the M. of C. says: ished and ruined, it scarcely matters whether he has a head or not. I need short shrift, and the executioner may do his work at once. Al. of 0.~Malek Afdel, my son, recall the Frankish Knight; I Al. of 0.—Dost thou not fear death? would speak withhim again. 0. M.—No, by my faith! I have met him face to face too often. J. Th goes out and returns with the 0. M., who again approaches the East, Only I would rather fall, sword in hand, strikin”g a good blow or and awaits the Sultan’s pleasure. two against your nobles, as a true knight loves to leave the world, than die the death of a criminal by the scimitar or bowstring. Noble Knight, since your forces entered this land of ours, I have M. of 0.—It does not need that you should die thus, gallant learned something of your institution of Knighthood, and would knight. I give you two years in -which to collect together your fain know more. I understand the sanctity of the knightly word, ransom. Go back to France; thou needst not part with thy prin- as you may see by the confidence I have placed in yours; and I cipality or lordship—I will win them of thee hereafter with the have also heard from those who have been in your camps, as pris- sword. So noble a knight is too valuable to his countrymen to oners and otherwise, that there is among you a strange equality, be allowed thus to lose his life. There is no knight or Christian so that a knight, though poor, may sit in the presence of a monarch. that will not give thee liberal aid towards thy ransom. But if you Tell me if that be so. should fail, give me your knightly word, that, at the end of two 0. M.—It is. Thou hast not been misinformed. The name of years from this day, and at this hour, you will present yourself Knight, and gentle blood, entitle the possessor to place himself in to me again, and surrender your head to the executioner. the same rank with sovereigns of the first degree, so far as regards 0. M.—Most noble and princely Saladin! truest of knights thy- all hut kingly authority and dominion. If the greatest king were self in spirit, I accept thy terms, with ten thousand thanks for thy to wound the honor of the poorest knight, he could not, by the law generous confidence; and I pledge my knightly word—never yet of chivalry, refuse satisfaction by single combat. given to man or woman and afterwards broken—that, if I do not’ Al. of 0.—And how may he aspire to mate in marriage? pay the~ansom, I will, at’this very hour, two years hence, present U. M.—With the noblest and proudest dame in Christendom. myself before you to die without a murmur. And this, moreover, The poorest knight is free, in all honorable service, to devote his by my holy vows of knighthood do I solemnly swear; and may God hand and sword, the fame of his exploits, and the deep devotion have mercy on me only if I keep this oath and promise, if death of his heart, to the fairest princess that ever wore a coronet. or sickness do not prevent. Al. of 0.—And hath the Order of Knighthood other eKeellencies? Al. of 0.—Noble Emir of Emessa, return this brave knight his 0. M.—It demands the strictest honor and most sacred regard sword and armor. Give him a horse of the breed called the winged, to truth; it requires us to protect the defenseless and the innocent; and send him, with a sufficient escort, after he hath eaten with us, it inculcates purity and virtue, patience, firmness, self~goveTnment, to the Christian army. Malek Adhel, Sayf-eddin, see that he hath and, in short, that the true knight and gentleman shall be alike passports that may insure his safety. without fear and without reproach. S. W.—King of kings, I hear and obey. Al. of 0.—Prince of Tiberias, thou owest me return for the favor 5- 336 TWENTY-NINTH DEGREE TWgNTY-NINTH DEGREE 337 So I have done thee, and I ask of thee a boon. I pray thee, in the their reward with their Lord? Doth it not say, “We formerly name of Allah, that thou wilt make known to me the sacred laws —S delivered the Book of the Law unto Moses, and caused apostles to of the Order of Knighthood and confer upon me that dignity, before succeed him, and give evident miracle to Jesus, the Son of Mary, your departure, for I am ready to conform to its requirements. and strengthened him with the holy Spirit? The angels said, “0

0. Al. jjAfter hesitating] —It is impossible. 5’- Mary, verily God hath chosen Thee—verily God sendeth Thee the Al. of 0.—How impossible ?—make known to me the reasons. I good’ tidings, that Thou shalt bear the word, proceeding from Him- would fain receive as a willing gift that which I might extort. self; his name shall be Christ Jesus; God shall teach Him the scripture and wisdom, and the law and the gospel, and shall-appoint 0. Al.—Thou rulest many nations, Salad-eddin. For every arrow Him his apostle to the children of Israel. God took Him up unto thou sendest by a messenger, ‘tis said that two-score thousand Himself and God is mighty and wise. And there shall not be one riders mount on horseback, and for the bow, as many as thou hast of those who have received the Scriptures who shall not believe in asked me besants for my ransom. But I tell thee that, mighty as Him before his death; and on the day of resurrection He shall be thou art, thou bast not the power to force a true and loyal Knight a witness against them”? These are the words of the Koran; and to do an act dishonorable or forbidden by the rules of knighthood. all the followers of the Prophet believe that Christ was an apostle Al. of 0.—I crave thy pardon, noble Knight, for the inconsid- from Ood, born of a Virgin and inspired, and did teach the truth. erate threat—for is it not true that the thing one gains only by 0. Al.—Sayeth the Koran these things, and dost thou believe compulsion is of little valueI I would entreat thee, courteously, them? and as an equal, to do me this great favor. Thou sayest it is impossible—but why Al. of 0.—It sayeth them, and I believe them. I also believe that the Prophet was an apostle, sent to preach the truth—the prim- ‘0. Al.—Thou canst not be made a Knight without bending thy itive true religion, revealed by God to Abraham. I believe in knee before me, and my sword must be laid upon thy person. Christ, but thou dost not believe in Mahomet. We worship no Al. of 0.—Do I not kneel in prayer even as the humblest believer? idols, but the one true God, who was the God of Abraham, and 0. Al—Thou must profess thy belief in the one true and ever- who sent Christ Jesus to teach his truth to the Jews. living God: and ye Saracens worship not the true God. 0. Al.—What knightly virtues dost the Koran enjoin upon those Al. of 0.—Thou art mistaken, Prince, for thou knoxvest not our who believe its doctrines? faith. Dost uot the Koran say, “There is no God but God—the living, the self-subsisting”? Your God is our God; there is no Al. of 0.—” Serve God, associate no creature -with Him; and show God but He—the most merciful. To God belongeth the East and the kindness unto parents and relations, and orphans and the poor, and West—therefore, whithcrsoever ye turn yourselves to pray, there your neighbor who is of kin to you, and also your neighbor who is is the face of God; for God is omnipresent and omniscient. We a stranger, and to your familiar companion and the traveler, and believe in God and that which hath been sent down to us, and that the captives whom your right hand shall possess—for God loveth which hath been sent unto Abraham and Ishmaci, and Isaac and not the proud or vain-glorious, who are covetous. 0 true believer, Jacob, and the tribes; and that which was delivered unto Moses be patient and constant-minded, and fear God, that ye may be and Jesus; and that which was delivered unto the prophets from happy.” Such, and others like them, are the words written on their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and all the pages of the Koran. The word of a Moslem is never broken; to God we are resigned. So speaketh the Koran everywhere. and he who is intemperate, unchaste, cruel, the violator of inno- G. M.—Princely Saladin, didst thou ever think of the Lord Jesus cence, covetous, or base, offends against the laws of the Prophet. Christ, or dost thy faith allow thee to believe in him? ‘0. Al.—Princely Salab-eddin, I consent; and would that all thy Al. of 0—Dost not the Koran say that whosoever behieveth in court were such as thee—as noble—and believed as thou dost. God and the last day, and doeth that which is right, shall have Al. of 0.—Most noble Knight, in all thy kindness, I would crave 4- p

338 TWENTY-NINTH DEGREE TWENTY-NINTH DEGREE 339 44~4~7. another boon—in that my warmest friend and most intimate coun- • - ~-44S~4 you must never strike a prostrate foe, nor slay the prisoner that selor, first of all my court—Malek Daber, now at my right hand— • — • 54 - can no longer resist, nor refuse moderate ransom, nor defile your- may bear me companionship in assuming holy vows, that, with me, 55 445- selves with many women; and all true and loyal Knights must be in future life, by sweetness of counsel and interchange of mind, your brothers, and all distressed virgins your sisters, and all poor we may maintain a truer and more steadfast course in the fulfill. - S •S) i~~- and destitute orphans your children. Will you proceed? ment of knightly vows. Al. of 0. and Oand.—I will. 0. ~lf.—Thy wish shall be gratified; and may Ibe pardoned if G. Al.—Wash, then, and free yourselves from impurity—at the in this I err. Go with me, then, alone; for none must witness our same time washing from your souls all evil passions and unworthy 4 (C solemn ceremony, that shall confer the rank and honors of knight- 4 desires. Array yourselves in white linen, the emblem of innocence, hood. I and the scarlet robe, that is an emblem of the zeal and devotion of Al. of C.—Salah-eddin, my brother, assume my stathn until I a Knight, and his readiness to shed his blood for his God, his coun - return, and let the business of the court proceed. Let none depart 5-4 try, or.the lady of his heart. until my reappearance. M. of C. and candidate wash.

M. of C. descends from the throne with the candidate, and retires with the My brethren, let us kneel and pray. G. M. to the Second Apartment, in which are x~ater in a basin and napkins. 0. Al.—Tli’~ rules of knighthood strictly require that the beard PRAYER of the novitiate shall be shaven smooth and his hair trimmed, Our Father, who art in heaven, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and but the literal performances of these rites may be dispensed with Jacob—the one only true God! look tiow upon these candidates, under circumstances that require it. I, therefore, as a representa- about to become Knights and thy servants; aid them to perform tive of that ceremony, cut lightly of each—yielding to your rank and punctually the vows they are about to assume; strengthen their the customs of your country. good resolutions, and suffer not temptation to overcome them. Make You will now wash both hands and face, which, with the cere- them true Knights, and teach them to exercise whatever powers monies performed, is a symbol of that baptismal rite observed they have with gentleness and moderation, and for the benefit of among all Eastern nations, by way of purification—emblematical mankind and thy glory. Aid them to be true and loyal, frank and of that purity and innocence of soul, without which no one can ~incere; and may their knighthood here below be but preparatory enter into the Order of Knighthood nor into the pure abode of to their final initiation into the mysteries of thy heaven of perfect happiness above. happiness and perfect purity. Amen! The candidate for knighthood not only serves a long app ren- 0. Al.—Noble Salah-eddin, thou has knelt to God in prayer. ticeshipcin arms, and shows himself valiant and daring, and above Thou must kneel yet again to me, as the representative of all the all base apprehension of death, but should pass tkrough a long Orders of Knighthood. But, first, it is necessary that you take and rigid probation, to prove himself, by his virtue, temperance, upon yourselves a most solemn obligation, before I can reveal to faith, constancy, and nobleness of heart, fit to be enrolled in the you the secrets of the Order of Knighthood, which I am about to ranks of Chivalry. These, under circumstances, may be dispensed confer upon you. I will bind you to nothing unworthy of your- with, and the Order conferred even upon the field. selves, or contrary to your faith., or at variance with your duties I do enjoin both of you, if you are not resolved to be hence- to your household, yourselves, the Moslem people, or your God. forward virtuous, chaste, humble before God, merciful, tolerant, Take, then, if you are willing to proceed, the Koran—which you generous, and charitable, to proceed no further, lesi hereafter you deem holy—in your left hand, and press it to your heart; and should be disgraced before the whole world as false and disloyal placing your right hand upon the cross-hilt of my sword, repeat Knights. Remember, your word must hereafter never be broken; after me the 44-,5•4 •>P~~ i~ ~4O ‘rWENTY-NINTH DEOl~EE • /~ 4~5S- (C TWENTY-NINTH DEGREE 341 OBLIGATION •4~ ‘5 dub thee knight, in the name of the order of Knights Ecossais of In the presence of the one living and ever true God of Abraham the order of St. Andrew of Scotland. Be valiant, true, and vir- Isaac, and Jacob, and upon this Holy Book and emblem, I, •14 ~x45S,4 tuous—Arise! do most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, that I will never MEANING OF THIS DEGREE reveal the secrets of this degree of Grand Ecossais of St. Andrew ~4,4445 to any person in the orld, except by permission from due and 0. 0.—Masonry is the handmaid of religion. The Brahmin, the • 4~54•~~ proper authority, and to one duly authorized to receive them. 5• ~544 Jew, the Mahometan, the Christian—each professing his peculiar I furthermore promise and swear that I will henceforward, never religion, sanctioned by the laws, by time, and by climate, may write or utter a falsehood, knowing it to be such; nor violate my -k retain their faith, and yet may be Masons. plighted word or implied pledge; nor use words in a double ~sense; Masonry teaches, and has preserved in their purity, the cardinal nor equivocate or be guilty of mental reservation to deceive an- tenets of the old primitive faith, which underlie and are the founda- other; but I will ever henceforward be true, frank, and loyal. tion of all religions. Masonry is the universal morality which is I furthermore promise and swear that I will henceforward give suitable tothe inhabitants of every clime, to the man of every creed, succor and assistance to all distressed females and poor and needy No man truly obeys the Masonic law who merely tolerates those orphans, and will allow none to rob or injure them, if it be in my whose religious opinions are opposed to his own. Every man s power to prevent it. opinions are his ov.~n private property, and the rights of all men I furthermore promise and swear that I will eVer venerate the to maintain each his own are perfectly equal. Merely to tolerate, true God, and strive to govern my conduct by his laws; that I will 4 to bear with an opposing opinion, is to assume it to be heretical, and never disgracefully retreat before the enemy, and that I will aid assert the right to persecute, if we would, and claim our toleration and assist, cherish and protect a worthy Brother Knight, and see as a merit. that no wrong be done him, if it be in my power to prevent it. The Mason’s creed goes further than that; no man, it holds, has To all of which I promise and swear, binding myself by no less any right, in any way, to interfere with the religious belief of a penalty than that of being excommunicated from the order of another. It holds that each man is absolutely sovereign as to his knighthood and denounced throughout the world, wherever honor own belief, and that belief is a matter absolutely foreign to all is loved and infamy detested, as a disloyal and forsworn knight, who do not entertain the same belief; and that if there were any dishonored gentleman, and base, ignoble man, if I wilfully violate right of persecution at all, it would in all cases be a mutual right, this my solemn obligation of a Knight of St. Andrew. So help me because one party has the same right as the other to sit as judge God, and reward or punish me as I keep or violate this vow! in his own case—and God is the only magistrate that can rightfully decide between them. INVESTITIIVRE To that Great Judge Masonry refers the matter; and, opening wide its portals, it invites to enter there, and live in peace and 0. Al.—Arise, my Brother, and I will put you in possession of harmony, the Christian, the Jew, the Moslem—every one who will the I, ~ etc., of this degree. lead a truly virtuous and moral life, love his brethren, minister to P.V. ~ S.W. the sick and distressed, and believe in the One, All-Powerful, All- V. Battery Wise, Everywhere-Present God—Architect, Creator, and Preserver of all things—by whose universal law of Harmony ever rolls on The G. M. then requests the M. of C. and candidate to kneel on the right knee; draws his sword and strikes them each, lightly, with the flat of the this Universe: the great, vast, infinite circle of successive death and blade, on each shoulder, saying: life; to whose ineffable name let all true Masons pay profoundest homage! for whose thousand blessings poured upon us let us feel Salah-eddin, Sultan of Egypt and Syria (or Malek Daher), I the sincerest gratitude, now, henceforth, and forever. Amen. 342 TWENTY-NINTH DEGREE

CLOSING 0. Al. ~+].—Sir Knights, I am about to close this Chapter of Knights Ecossais of St. Andrew. Sir Knight Junior Warden, what THIRTEENTH DEGREE—KNIGHTS KADOSH is the hour? .1. W.—Venerable Grand Master, the night draws near. 0. Al.—Even so approaches, with the same rapid step, the night APARTMENTS, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS of death and the hour of judgment. Sir Knight Grand Hospitaler, Bodies in this degree are termed Chapters. does any charitable work remain undone, that it is within our power The main Hall is decorated with red and black Columns. to do? The Throne in the East is surmounted by a double-headed Eagle, 0. Hosp.—Venerable Grand Master, none. crowned, holding a poniard in his claws; over his neck is a black ribbon, 0. M.—Sir Knight Senior Warden, whence come you as a Knight to which is suspended the Cross of the Order; on his breast is an Equilateral Triangle, around which are the words: “Nec proditor, Nec Ecossais of St. Andrew? proditor innocens feret.” S. W.—From the Holy Land, where the Moslem and Barbarian There are 9 lights, of yellow wax. yet reign supreme. A drapery of white and black curtains, strewed with red crosses, des- 0. Al.—Even so reign wrong and error over all the world, and - cends between the wings of the Eagle, and forms a pavilion. only here and there Truth and the right are victors. Sir Knight, Behind the throne are two banners, one white with a green Teutonic cross upon it, and the motto, “Deus Vult” the other with a red cross what remains to be done? on one side, and on the other a double-headed Eagle, holding a poniard, S. W.—Our duty, everywhere; our duty, always; evil and the with the motto, in silver letters, “Aut vincere, Aut mon.” wrong, never; a base act, nowhere. 0. Al.—So let us ever act. In the name of God and St. Andrew, JUDGES’ HALL let us close this Chapter. Together, Sir Knights. V Black, lighted by a single lamp, of triangular or antique form, sus- t pended from the ceiling; everything in this apartment should be somber. There are 5 Judges robed in black, and masked, each with a sword, at Go in peace, and God and all good angels guard us all. reception. The Judges are seated, Knights in attendance standing, who are also in black robes, and cowls over their heads, with their hands crossed over their breasts.

CAVE OR CHAMBER OF REFLECTION Is htrewn with emblems of mortality, and is entered by descending a flight of stairs; but one light is used, This chamber should be black, or of the most somber character, in all its appointments, and is intended to represent the tomb of Jacques DeMolay. Masonic ornaments and jewels, together with skulls, bones, and other evidences of mortality, scattered about. A rude altar, over which is placed a single lighted candle, a Bible, and a cup of wine; near the altar a suspended gong concealed behind hangings. There must be a secret door for egress. Over the door of the entrance to the cavern are the following words: “Whoever shall be able to conquer the fear of death shall come safe out of the bowels of the earth, and have the right to be admitted into the mysteries of this Order.” 343] 4,,~ I ~ -~ 345 THIRTIETH DEGREE ~ LI THIRTIETh DEGREE 344 y MYSTERIOUS LADDER Thrice Potent Grand Alaster—At what hour does the Council Is covered until the candidate is obligated. This Ladder has two sup- open? ports and seven steps. First Lieutenant Grand Alaster—At the beginning of night. The first Chamber is termed “Judges’ Hall “; - The second Chamber is termed “Chamber of Reflection”; Thrice Potent Grand Master—What is your age? The third Chamber is termed “Forum”; First Lieutenant Grand Alaster—A century or more. The fourth Chamber is termed “Senate Chamber”; The fifth Chamber is termed “The Road to the Holy Land.” Thrice Potent Grand Master—Whom do you know? Five Knights constitute a quorum, and should be dressed in black, First Lieutenant Grand Alaster—Two wretches. with white gloves. Kadosh signifies holy, consecrated. Thrice Potent Grand Alaster—Their names? The poniard has a white and black handle, and is worn in the girdle. First Lieutenant -Grand Alaster—Philip IX, King of France, called the F’air, and Bertrand de Goth, known as Clement the Fifth, THE JEWEL ~ Pope of Rome. Is a Teutonic cross of gold, enameled with red, in the center of which are the letters Thrice Potent Grand Alaster—What is the object of our assem- J. B. M. bling? On the reverse a skull transpierced by a poniard, suspended to the sash. First Lieutenant Grand Alaster—The hope of punishing crime. - Battery—+++ +++ +. I - I Thrice Potent Grand Master—Such being the case, as the darkness of night protects our labors and as we entertain the hope of OFFICERS OF COUNCIL punishing crime, Sir Knights, First and Second Lieutenant Grand GRAND COMMANDER, in the East; H Masters, request the officers and Sir Knights on your respective GRAND CHANcELLOR, right of Grand Commander; valleys to be ready to obey my order. GRAND ARCHITECT, left of Grand Commander; First Lieutenant Grand Master—Officers and Sir Knights on my GRAND MASTER OF CEREMONIES, in the North; GRAND TREASURER, right of Grand Commander, in the North; valley, the Thrice Potent Grand Master requests you to be ready GRAND SEcRETARY, left of Grand Commander, in the South; to obey his orders. GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE GUARDS, in the South; Second Lieutenant Grand Master—Officers and Sir Knights on SENTINELS, GuARDS, AND KNIGHTS. my valley, the Thrice Potent Grand Master requests you to be A suit of black with white kid gloves, a black cordon or collar, edged with ready to obey his orders. silver lace, a girdle or sash of blac]A, with silver fringe. A red Teutonic cross over theoheart, a round black hat; the cordon or collar embroidered as above, First Lieutenant Grand Alaster—Thricc Potent Grand Master, and the jewel as above. the Knights are all ready to obey your orders. i~j Thrice Potent Grand Alaster [One rap with the pommel of TO OPEN sword, rising] .—Sir Knights, order! [Alt rise and place themselves under the sign of Order.J To the glory of the Grand Archi- GRAND ELECT KNIGHT KADOsH tect of the Universe, in the name and under the auspices of the Thrice Potent Grand Alaster Ii One rap with pommel of sword]. Supreme Council for the Southern jurisdiction of the .Unitcd States —Sir Knight, First Lieutenant Grand Master, are you a Knight of America, and by virtue of the ~authority conferred upon me by

Kadosh? Council of Kadosh, No. . . ., I declare and pronounce its labors First Lieutenant Grand Master—I am, Thrice Potent Grand opened. Join me, Sir Knights, in giving the signs and battery. Master. Be seated, Sir Knights. 346 THIRTIETH DEGREE I THIRTIETH DEGREE 347

RECEPTION C. of 0. opens the door, and says: JUDGES’ FIALL / -: C. of 0.—Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies, if you arc satis- Five Judges, in black robes, and masked, each ‘with a sword, seated. Knights fled the candidate is worthy, enter and make your supplication in attendance, standing, black robes and cowls, hands crossed on their breasts. before the Illustrious Judges now in Council. Master of Ceremonies, black robe and sta IT. Candidate dressed in white; Captain of the Guards, in~ black robe, over full They enter. dress of armor; scroll in front of each Judge; all of whom have hands crossed on breasts, and all heads bowed. 0. Al. of 0.—Illustrious Judges, I take the liberty to supplicate The greatest silence must prevail, the utmost rigidity of limb must be sus- you to admit this candidate a brother Knight and Prince Mason tained, and the Judges, while speaking, do not move. When all is ready, Grand Master of Ceremonies, in the ante-room with candidate, says: of your Illustrious Order; I can recommend him as one who has always performed his duty as a man and as a Freemason; in all his Al. of 0.—My brother, you have asked to be admitted to our actions through life he has been an exemplar of the virtues; he Order; certain rules and regulations you must follow if you expect ‘S has practiced good for the love of it; out of his mouth has never to accomplish your destiny; it becomes my duty to impose upon proceeded a secret, which, as a Mason, he was bound to keep, or a you, in the strictest manner, the law of silence; you are not to calumny against his brother; he has given his vote to merit, unin- speak or utter one word in justification of any accusation, until fluenced by malice, prejudice, or from any selfish motive. permission is granted to you, under penalty of being sent back to 1st J.—Are you fully acquainted with the brother, and know the world, there to remain under probation for full seven months. him to be not only worthy, but fully qualified for the duties of Do you consent to this, and will you conform to all the rules and the Order? regulations of the Order? 0. Al. of 0.—I am fully acquainted with him, and know him to Candidate—I do. be worthy and qualified. 0. Al. of 0.—Then follow me. 2d J.—Does what you have now said come from your own He then conducts the candidate to the Hall of Judges, and knocks~+. knowledge, or the lips of the profane? Captain of the Guards, from within, knocks +, opens the door, and says: 0. Al. of 0.—I speak, Illustrious Judges, from my own knowl- 0. of 0.—What is the cause of this alarm? Who comes here? edge, and from information received through worthy aild tried 0. Al. of 0.—The Grand Master of Ceremonies with a candidate brothers, and am ready to answer for him before this tribunal. for admission to our illustrious and mysterious Order, and who is 3rd J.—Are~ you not deceived by appearances, and simple pro- desirous of having his past conduct tested before the Judges, and fessions of the candidate, and may not our worthy brothers be de- his future conduct judged by his works. ceived in that respect? C. of 0.—You will wait until the illustrious Five havebeen made 0. Al. of 0.—I have full faith in the virtue of the candidate and acqua~ted with your wishes. will vouch for him. 4th J.—Have you full and satisfactory knowledge, that the can- He then closes the door, and says: didate has legitimately received all the degrees in the Ancient and 0. of 0.—Illustrious Judges, our Grand Master of Ceremonies Accepted Rite, including the degree of Knight of St. Andrexv, or is without accompanied with a candidate, who desires to be admitted twenty-ninth degree? to our Illustrious Order. 0. Itt. of 0.—I have. 1st Judge—If the Grand Master of Ceremonies is satisfied that, 5th J.—Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies, have you weighed by his good conduct, he is entitled thereto, you will admit him. well in your mind the answers to the questions propounded to you?

What say you, brothers? - If not, this is the only opportunity you will have to retract. Reflect Judges—Aye. well on the awful responsibility you are assuming. Reflect well 1st J.—Captain of the Guard, admit them. on the deceit and hypocricy of the world, before~you render your THIRTIETH DEGREE 349 ~34S THIRTIETH DEGREE

II’S final decision; you have vouched for his past conduct, and have of Ceremonies to lead us in the prayer which ,Jacques DeMolay become sponsor for his future. Do you still adhere to your reso- 4 prayed just prior to his execution. lution? Reflect! -‘4 Al. 0.—Knights let us pray—(all kneel). ~55,, 1st Judge—Reflect! M. C. prays the following prayer. 2d Judge— Reflect!

3d Judge— Reflect! K “0 God! permit us to meditate on the pains that Jesus suffered, 4th Judge—Reflect! that we might be redeemed; and enable us to imitate the example Knights— Reflect! of endurance which he gave when he submitted, without a murmur, —S to the persecutions and torments which bigotry and injustice had Silence for a short time; G. M. of C. reaectsl prepared for him. 0. Al. of 0.—Illustrious Judges, I am fully aware of the great “Forgive, 0 God, these false accusers who have caused the entire responsibility I have undertaken, but from my personal knowledge 4 destruction of the Order whereof thy Providence hast made me of the candidate, and those that recommend him, I feel satisfied the head. And if it please Thee to accept the prayer which we now that in him I see a true brother. offer, grant that the day may come when the world, now deceived, G. M. of C. turns and shakes both hands of the candidate. may better know those who have sought to live for Thee. “We trust to thy goodness and mercy to compensate us Lor the 0. Al. of 0.—I will have faith, and do vouch for him. tortures and death which we are now to suffer; and that we may 1st J—What say you, Illustrious Judges? Shall we grant this enjoy thy divine presence in the mansions of happiness. Amen.” petition? Judges—Aye! M. of C. knocks ++++++ ‘f~. C. of G., from within, having on a mask, knocks ~~f~+++ ~ opens 1st J.—And what say you, Knights? the door, and says: Knights—Aye! 1st J.—The vote is unanimous, let all things be ready, that he 0. of 0.—Who dare to disturb the silence and repose of this may accomplish his destiny. Grand Areopagus of Knights Kadosh? Who comes here? 0. Al. of 0.—Illustrious Judges, on behalf of this Knight, I Al. of 0.—A Knight Prince Mason, who has given proofs of return you thanks for the privilege you have given him of proving his energy, zeal, and devotion, now desires to be admitted to this himself worthy to be admitted to this Illustrious Order of Knights -5’ Chapter of Elected Knights Kadosh. of Kadosh. 0. of 0.—Who vouches for him? Al. of 0.—A Knight Kadosh. G. M. of C. salutes the Judges by placing his right hand on his left hreast, and bowjng his head; he also instructs the candidate to do the same, The C. of 0—Tarry awhile until your request is made known. Judges return the salute. C. of G. shuts the door, and says: 0. Al. of 0.—Follow me, my brother! C. of 0.—Illustrious Grand Commander, a Knight Prince Mason, G. M. of C. then retires with the candidate. The Judges now break up the who has given proofs of his energy, zeal, and devotion, desires to Council and prepare for the succeeding duties. be admitted to this Areopagus of the Knights Kadosh. 0. Al. of 0.—My Brother, as you now comiiience your probation Grand Commander—Who vouches for him? as a Knight of Kadosh, it is my duty to bring to your recollection 0. of 0.—A Knight Kadosh! the fate of Jacques DeMolay, brave and steadfast Grand Master of 0. Oom—Let him enter. Knights-Templar, who, by the order of Pope Clement V, suffered C. of G. opens the door and says: an undeserved martyrdom for his fidelity to his vows. I could no’ better memorialize this great character than to request the Master 0. of 0.—The Knight Prince Mason has permission to enter! 350 THIRTIETH DEGREE THIRTIETH DEGREE 351 THE FORUM be instructed in, to any person or persons, unless he or they shall A Hall, into which the M. of C. and candidate now enter, and passing up toward the Senate Chamber, stop in front of the altar and curtain, behind be as lawfully entitled to the same as I am myself, unless legally which are the G. Coin. and Knights, in full dress, and masked. The curtain qualified so to do, or in a regularly constituted Chapter of Knights should he heavy, concealing everything in the Senate Chamber. On the altar Kadosh. ale a Bible, Square, Compass, Delta, Laws and Regulations of the Order. Near the altar is the mysterious Ladder of seven steps. I furthermore promise and swear that I will not aid and assist in conferring this degree on any person unless he shallhave received 0. of G.—Illustrious Grand Commander, the Knight is at our all the necessary preceding degrees, from Entered Apprentice to sacred altar and awaits your pleasure. that of Master Mason, and the ineffable, sublime, and superior 0. Oorn.—Who is this rash intruder that madly rushes on his order from Secret Master to that of Knight of Saint Andrew or ‘S destiny and disturbs the silence and secrecy that reign in this twenty-ninth degree, in a regular and constitutional manner, and Areopagus? that to my entire satisfaction, and then only by legal authority so Al. of 0.—A Knight Prince Mason, who has given proofs of to do, or in a Chapter of Elected Knights Kadosh. his energy, zeal, and devotion, now awaits the fulfilment of the I furthermore promise and swear that I will be ready at all promise,to be admitted into our Illustrious Order. times to assist by my arms and~ means to conquer the Holy Land and 0. Corn.—Thus far it is well, but not sufficient, to give him ad- restore the religion of the Cross, so far as in me lies the power, if mission to our Order; he must give us further proof of his energy, ‘‘S I shall be summoned by proper and constitutional authority. zeal, and devotion. I furthermore promise and swear that I -will, so far as lies in During the above remaiks the G. M. of C., C. of G., and Guards silently my power, protect my brethren, and not sit with or countenance retire without the knowledge of the candidate if possihle. The Raights behind liars, ilupostors, or expelled Masons, if I know them to be such, and the curtain, in measured and solemn tones, say: that I will redouble my zeal for true brothers, and be just and Knights—Woe! woe! woe! to all impostors, perjurers, and liars upright with all men. —punishment and retribution to all perjurers, apostates, and If I willfully fail or violate this my obligation of a Knight traitors! We all swear it! Woe! woe! woe! Kadosh, or Knight of the White and Black Eagle, may I be dis- 0. Corn—Brother Knight Prince Mason, you have heard the honored among men and Masons; and I imprecate upon myself awful denunciations against perjurers, traitors, and impostors. Have the penalties of all my former Masonic obligations and of the pun- you still the desire to proceed? ishment inflicted by Saracens upon impostors and liars. So help Cand.—I have. me God, and maintain me in right and equity! A-men! 0. Corn.—Then advance and kneel at this altar, place your right Knights—It is accomplished. Amen! hand om4he Holy Bible, Square, Compass, Delta, and Cross-Swords, G. Corn.—You will now salute the Holy Volume three times. and your left in mine, and take a solemn obligation to be faithful Rise, my b rother. to the trust reposed in you. You are now, my brother, about to be instructed in a portion of 0. B. N. the secret mysteries. But before entering upon them, let us offer

I, , of my own free will and accord, and in the presence up our sup plications to heaven, as on all important occasions. You of the Grand Master of heaven and earth, and these Knights will kneel and join me in my appeal. Masons, about me assembled, solemnly promise and swear: The M. of C., C. of G., and ‘Guard will re-enter, noiselessly, and kneel That I will not reveal or make known in any way whatsoever, by the side of the candidate. any point or points, part or parts of the secrets and mysteries of PRAYER this degree to any person, unlawfully, either by sign, word, or writing, that I have received, am about to receive, or may hereafter 0, thou Eternal, beneficent, and all-glorious and gracious Grand Architect of the Universe; we, from the secret depths of our hearts, SI ~

S ~ ~=

THIRTIETH DEGREE 353 THIRTIETH DEGREE V’ 352 I offer up to Thee a living sacrifice. We pray Thee to fill our hearts it has also two supports; the one on the right is called “Oheb with thy love and the love we should feel for each other. We are Etoah,” the one on the left “Oheb Kerobo.” You will now mount the first step of the mystic Ladder and brethren journeying the rugged path of life to that bourne from IS, which we can not return. We humbly beseech thee, 0 Heavenly contract a further obligation. Having once commenced the ascent Father, to inspire our enemies with a just sense ‘of the evils they V you can not recede. have done, and a conviction of their wrong-doing; that they may G. ~1. of C. will direct the Candidate. make atonement for their manifold injuries and injustice to us; V S 0. Oorn.—You will now repeat after me the which doth not belong to us, thy servants, to redress them our- 0. B. N. selves; for thou hast said, 0 Lord! ‘‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay”; that by their eyes being opened we might be reconciled, I promise and swear, by all I hold most sacred as a Knight K—h, and by a hearty union take possession of those blessed lands, where or Knight of the White and Black Eagle, to practice the works of the original temple was first established, and -where thou hast said, corporeal mercy, to live and die in the religion I profess, and never “I will dwell’’; where we might be gathered together in one fold declare to any one, unless it be to a full Knight of the Order, who or band of brothers, there to celebrate thy great and holy name; received me or who was present, or who assisted at my reception and on the holy mountain in whose bowels was deposited the ever- into this degree. glorious and awful name, celebrate thy praise. Amen! Oand.—I promise and swear. ‘‘S A il—So mote it be! Knights—Swear! 0. Oorn.—Now say with me the word, on the first step, “Tseda- 0. Com.—You will now rise, my brother. I now charge you to kah,” that is, Justice, Uprightness, because upon Justice must be make yourself familiar with the history of the Knights Templar; based all our actions; for a true Knight K—h, when called upon of their rise and progress; their great and glorious exploits; their to punish, must not forget that Justice is inviolate. numbers, wealth, and high standing in every kingdom of Europe; You -will now ascend the second step. their persecution and fall, and the sufferings of the Grand Master, Jacques DeMolay, and his brave Knights, by order of Pope Clement 0. B. N. V; the cruelty and barbarity of Philip the Pair and the potentates I promise and swear to exercise candor in all my actions, and and governments of Europe; the actions of the Knights of Malta to never receive to this sublime degree of Knights K—h any one in the destruction of the Templars, and their receiving and holding of whose life and character I am not fully satisfied, nor then many large possessions, the property of the Templars, as a reward without the consent of one Inspector-General of the thirty-third for their treachery; the dispersion of the Templars, and their many degree, unless he shall be received into a regularly constituted sufferi~,gs and death. The facts and history, my brother, can be Consistory of Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret. obtained from the sources I previously mentioned. Oand.—I promise and swear. Knights—Swear! Iti. of C. removes the covering from the mysterious Ladder. 0. Oorn.—Say after me, “Shor-Laban,” that is, literally, White 0. Corn.—My brother, before you can proceed any farther, it Ox, a figure to teach us that by constant and patient labor and the is indispensably necessary that you pass over the m3rsterious Ladder purity of our intentions, only, may we hope to witness the success you see before you; it will serve to instruct you in the mysteries of our cause. You will now ascend the third step. of our Order, and the lessons taught by it, make a deep and lasting impression on the mind, and prove beneficial to you in the journey 0. B. N. through life; it is the only way and entrance into our Order. It I promise and swear to observe at all times, so far as lies in my has seven steps, which inculcate the virtues you should practice; power, a sweetness of temper and mind; to love and cherish my 354 THIRTIETH DEGREE —S THIRTIETH DEGREE 355 ‘S brethren of this degree as myself; to help them in their necessities, I promise and swear to have patience in adversity, and never and in their adversity to visi’t and relieve them and aid them in to receive to this degree, on any pretense whatever, any brother sickness and in trouble with my counsel and my purse, and never to draw against them my arms on any pretense whatever. whose will is not perfectly free, such as religious monks, and all others who have bowed, without restriction, submissive to a superior Cand.—I promise and swear. ‘‘‘I power or body. Knights—Swear! Cand.—I promise and swear. 0. Corn.—Say after me, “Mathoc,” that is Meekness; this virtue, —S so valuable in the profane world, is still more necessary in the Knights—Swear! Knight K—h; for it is by this virtue only, that we may hope to 0. Corn.—Say after me, “Sabbal,” that is, Burden, to remind convince erring brethren and induce them to enter the path of true us of our tasks. We have to undergo many trials—many dangers happiness and liberty. threaten us—and we must never be taken by surprise. We must You ‘will now ascend the fourth step. a] ways be united, and for that purpose we must forgive our brethren their errors and their faults, if we wish them to forgive us. 0. B. N. You will now ascend the seventh step. I promise and swear to regulate my conduct, and walk in life 0. B. N. by truth and justice, and to keep great care and circumspection over the degree of Knight K—h from the profane and unworthy. I promise and swear to keep secret what has been or may be Cand.—I promise and swear. communicated to me relative to this sublime degree. I also promise, Knights—Swear! if the two orders of Knights Templar and Knights of Malta should 0. Corn—Say affer me, ‘Ernounah,” that is, Fidelity, Stead- at any time be arrayed in arms against each other, for the restora- iness; you easily understand how precious this quality is in a Knight tion of the 9rder, or for the defense of their rights, and it shall K—h. There can be no success for him if he is not faithful to become necessary for me to take an active part, that I ~villespouse his obligations—if he is lukewarm in fulfilling his duty. the cause of the Knights Templar, and renounce the Order of Malta, Ascend now the fifth step. and regard them as unjust usurpers of the rights, titles, and digni- ties of Knights Templar. 0. B. N. Cand.—I promise and swear. I promise and swear, in my travels through life, to keep the Knights—Swear! advancement of the cause of heaven in view, and to follow, so far 0. Corn.—You will now say after me, “Shernoul,” “Binah,” as in my power, the rules and regulations of the Order for the “Thebounah,” that is, Generosity, Intelligence, Prudence; and in- goveriiThent of the Knights Kadosh and those of the Consistory of deed, my brother, this must be the last step of Perfection. Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret, in whose jurisdiction I am, A generous man is always ready to sacrifice himself for the bene- so far as they may come to my knowledge. fit of his brethren. Cand —I promise and swear. An intelligent man studies the secrets of nature, and draws Knights—Swear! therefrom all that can promote human happiness. 0. Corn.—Say after me, “Arnal Sagghi,” that is, Great Labor; and truly, it is only by unceasing exertion—by great labor, that we A prudent man does not waste his resources, and never trusts to can attain the object we have in view. And if labor is necessary hazard. He is very cautious, so that xvhen the time comes for execu- for man in the walks of life, it is still more so for a Knight Kadosh, tion, every circumstance may contribute to the success of our Holy who must not rest so long as the welfare of humanity is not defin- cause. itely secured. These virtues, springing from love of God and love of our neighbor, constitute the ne plus ultra of Masonic perfection. THIF~T]ETH DEGREE 357 356 THIRTIETH DEGREE ROAD TO THE HOLY LAND My brother, on the other side of the Lad~er are written the The two following incidents should be dramatized by a mem- names of those sciences which all men sincerely desiring to help her of the Consistory taking the part of the Candidate. their fellow-men must study; they are Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, First Incident. Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy. The candidate commences his travels alone, and encounters a weaiy and You will now descend on the opposite side of the Ladder. hungry pilgrim, with dress and staff, unable to support himself without the aid of his stick; his gait is slow, and his body half bent from fatigue and As the candidate descends the Ladder, the curtains are removed, the masks hunger. are taken off, and the candidate stands in the presence of the Grand Com- mander and Hnights, who are in full costume, in the Pilgrim—Sir traveler! for the love of heaven stop and hear me. I am a poor weary pilgrim traveling from afar, and journeying to SENATE CHAMBER the Holy Land, to offer up my devotions at the holy shrine. I am The G. Corn, meets the candidate, and, taking his hand, says: poor and needy, and require assistance; my means are exhausted; and if relief is not obtained I must lie down and die. 0. Com.—My dear brother, having thus passed over the mys- Cand.—What aid do you require? terious Ladder, you are admitted within the portals of our asylum, Pil.—I need money, food and wine. and as a Knight of the Order, we greet you with a brother’s Candidate supplies aid. greeting. All shake hands with him. Pil.—Thanks! Thanks, kind friend! You have imparted new life to me. 0. Com.—I will now, my brother, put you in possession of the sign and words of recognition of a Knight K—h. He eats ravenously, or so acts, and says: S. Pil.—I shall now be able to resume my journey. May the bless- P. W. ing of Him who preached charity to the world rest upon you during G. W. your journey through life. Then, farewell! He whose virtues and example I wish to I now arm you with this good sword, as a Knight and soldier emulate has taught us that the greatest of all virtues is charity; of the cross. Go forth, and prove yourself to be a true defender that it is better to give than to receive; you have the means and of the temple of the most High God; and while armed with steel will not relieve me. Go! and may heaven in its infinite mercy he[p outwardly, inwardly be armed with faith and love, “Faith to God, you. and love to your fellow-man.” Go forth in the defense of our When the candidate again starts on his journey, the pilgrim will silently Order, and for the protection and assistance of Pilgrims, the weak retire. and the injured, the needy and the oppressed, and return not to Second Incident. us until you have fulfilled at least some of the conditions you have A monk, by the roadside, is dressed as such, with a cowl or broad-brimmed vowed on the mystic Ladder to perform. And may the Lord, in hat, sides turned up so that the rim projects far forward and behind; a cross whose service you have now entered, protect and sustain you in is hanging at his side. the hour of danger and tribulation. The monk is a clandestine Mason and bad man, who, unable to obtain a true knowledge of the mysteries, accosts every person he imagines to be a Brother Grand Master of Ceremonies, furnish the brother with Mason, and endeavors to draw from tbem a revelation. He is at times insidious satchel, coin, wine, bread, and water, and let him commence his and jesuitical; at other times vindictive and revengeful. journey toward the Holy Land. Monk—Ha! my brother, well met; valiant and glorious Knight G. M. of C. furnishes the articles. of the Temple! Hold; stay awhile with me, and partake of my 0. Com.—And now, farewell! Bless you. cheer! The way is toilsome and dangerous—rest and refreshment Raising his hands and invoking a blessing upon the candidate. ‘KN~V~N. ~ 35L8 THIRTIETH DEGREE THIRTIETH DEGREE 359 will give you new life—be seated. On your way to the Holy Land, SENATE CHAMBER I suppose; is it so? Candidate answers. G. M. of C. knocks ~ G. C. of G., from within, knocks ~f~H~++~+ +, and says: Monk—I am, also, a Knigh.t Mason, and am on the way to the tomb of our Lord. We are brothers; let us join together, it will G. C. of 0.—Illustrious Grand Commander, there is an alarm serve to beguile the tediousness of the way, and be more-secure for 1 of 6 and 1 at the entrance of this chamber. both of us; the road is infested with impostors and robbers. What 0. Com.—See who knocks as a Knight Kadosh! say you? G. C. of C., opening the door, asks: ‘-f -I’ Candidate answers. 0. C. of 0.—Who approaches the entrance of this chamber of Monk—I do not belong to your Order, but am anxious to be Knights Kadosh? admitted, and am fitting myself for it, that I may partake of its 0. Al. of 0.—An aspiring brother returning from his proba- honors and benefits, and be made useful to my fellows; my charac- tionary travels, who prays to be admitted to this Areopagus of ter is good, and I stand well with the Fraternity, and expect no Knights Kadosh. opposition to being admitted. Come, join me. 0. C. of 0.—Give me the sign and word of a Knight Kadosh: Candidate answers. Which being given: Monk—Who gave you the Order? Let me know, that I may get him to assist me? Tarry a-while until your request be made known. Candidate answers. Closes the door and reports: Monk—Y,7hy not? I am a monk bound to religious duties, to Illustrious Grand Commander, an aspiring Knight returning which you are also bound. Is it not so? Who assisted in giving from his probationary travels, prays to be admitted to this Illus- you the degrees? He may be a friend of mine. trious Areopagus. Candidate answers. 0. Com.—If satisfied that he is such, admit him. - Monk—I know I am a stranger to you, but we are brothers. I G. C. of G., opening the door, will say: can satisfy you by signs and words. You have signs and words, have you not? Be not thus cold; let us be friends; give me the 0. 0. of 0.—Enter. sign of a Templar, that we may travel as such. They enter and advance to the altar. Candidate answers. 0. Com.—Valiant Grand Master of Ceremonies, who have you Mon~k~—Give it me, I say! I have gold in ~identy. I will not wait in charge? for the slow and uncertain movement of your council, nor will I 0. Al. of 0.—An aspiring Knight returned from his probation- abide its formalities of initiation. I will be content with signs and ary travels, who prays to be admitted to this Illustrious Order. words, and will pay for them; here is money—take it. 0. Coin —Has the aspiring Knight fulfilled the conditions he Candidate answers. volunlarily vowed on the mysterious Ladder to perform? 0. Al. of 0.—He has. Monk—No! then, proud Knight, you shall not leave here with 0. Com.—Having, so far as our knowledge extends at present, life. complied with the several conditions enjoined upon you, we wi[l The candidate and monI~ here fight; and after a sc~rffie the monk flees, and now receive you into our number, and reveal to you our secrets the candidate is again left alone. and mysteries, and will create you a Knight. Advance and kneel! The G. M. of C. appears and accompanies candidate again to Preparation Chamber. Candidate advances and kneels. N ~ ~ )- ~ 360 THIRTIETH DEGREE It TBIRTIETH DEGREE 361 0. C.m.—To the glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe, TO CLOSE in the name and under the auspices of the Supreme Council of Thrice Potent Grand Master [Strikes once with the pommel of Sovereign Grand Inspectors-General of the thirty-third degree of his sword] .—Sir Knight, First Lieutenant Grand Master, at what the A. and A. Rite and the Consistory of Sublime Princes of the hour are the labors of the Knights Kadosh adjourned? Royal Secret for the Valley of , and by virtue of the powers ‘with which I am invested as Commander of Council of First Lieutenant Grand Master [Striking one with the pommel Kadosh; I do dub, create, and constitute you a Knight Kadosh, of swo~rd] —At day break, Thrice Potent Grand Master. under the title of the White and Black Eagle. Thrice Potent Grand Master—Why do we adjourn our labors at day light? G. Coin. here lays the sword on each shoulder and on the head of the First Lieutenant Grand Master—The better to conceal our Candidate. schemes from the profane, Thrice Potent Grand Master. G. Com.—Be firm, faithful, and true unto death. I arm you Thrice Potent Grand Master—What are those schemes? with this Sword, Sir Knight, as a defense against your enemies and First Lieutenant Grand Master—Thrice Potent Grand Master, the enemies of the Order; you wi]l wield it also for the defense of to punish crime and to protect innocence. poor pilgrims, and in defense of innocence and virtue; I also arm Thrice Potent Grand Master—What do you understand by pun- you with this dagger, it is the avenging blade and the dagger of ish ing crime? mercy, and I now invest you with these knightly gold spurs. First Lieutenant Grand Master—Thrice Potent Grand Master, Wisdom is symbolized by gold. Never let wisdom, with tem- it is by resisting oppression and imposture by all available means, perate zeal and true love, forsake you. by calling down the hatred of the people on the heads of tyrants You are now, Sir Knight, invested with the knight[y spurs, in and impostors, by undermining and overthrowing their power, even testimony of the zeal and activity with which you are henceforward by force of arms, that -we fulfill the obligation of punishing crime. and forever to be goaded on in the performance of your duties; Thrice Potent Grand Master—What do you mean by protecting and beware, lest through negligence or unfaithfulness, you shall be innocence? deemed unworthy of our confidence, and be ignominiously degraded First Lieutenant Grand Master—Thrice Potent Grand Master, from our Order. it is by raising mankind from the degradation in which they are I will now put you in possession of the signs and words of a sunken; by diffusing abroad the blessings of education; by bringing Knight Kadosh, and greet you as a Knight of the Order: our fellow beings to the highest degree of civilization to which 1st. humanity can pretend that we obey the command of our Thrice Potent Grand Master, and that we attain the objects which the 2d.~ Knight Kadosh have in view to protect innocence. Thrice Potent Grand Master—Such indeed are our duties. Let Recog. us never forget them, either within or without this temple. Sir P. W. Knights, First and Second Lieutenant Grand Masters, request the S. W. members of this Council to assist me in adjourning the Senate. 0. W. First Lieutenant Grand Master—Sir Knights on my valley, the I also present you with the Collar and Jewel of the Order. You Thrice Potent Grand Master requests you to assist him in adjourn- will now take your place in the ranks of the Order. You are in the ing this Senate. ranks of those who shall be elected to the grand work, and we trust Second Lieutenant Grand Master—Sir Knights on my valley, and hope that the delicious perfumes of your good actions will give the Thrice Potent Grand Master requests you to assist him in ad- you the true happiness you desire. ~1 journing this Senate. THIRTIETH DEGREE 362 4— 4:1 Thrice Potent Grand Master—Order, Sir Knights! [All rise .44 I—‘N and place themselves under the sign of order.] THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE Thrice Potent Grand Afaster—Let us pray, Sir Knights. All give signs and battery. N GRAND INSPECTOR INQUISITOR COMMANDER Thrice Potent Grand Master—This Council is now closed.

N DIAGRAM OF SUPREME TRIBUNAL L~I~ 44, ~der ~ate

+ + C- 4.4110 u III ALTAR I d~ nil + + I~E~

~dUors

I DECORATIONS The hangings are white, as also the canopy under which is the throne of the President. There are ten gilded columns; one on each side of the President in the East; one on each side of the Counselors, or Inspectors, in the West; three on the South side of the Tribunal, and three on the North; equi- distant from each other. r 363 J - 4” THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE -- 364 THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE 365 44444 On the column on the right of the President is inscribed in large letters the word Justitia. CLOTHING -4 44 444 On that upon his left the word Equitas. No apron is worn in the Supreme Tribunal. In the inferior bodies the From these two columns springs a Gothic arch, from the apex is sus- 5 Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commanders wear one of entirely white sheep pended over the head of the President the Tetractys of Pythagoras, thus: skin, with a Teutonic Cross, embroidered in silver, on the flap. The collar is white; on the breast at the point is a triangle emitting , , rays, embroidered in gold, in the center of which is the number 31 in Arabic figures.

, , , , - In the inferior bodies, instead of a collar, a Grand Inspector Inquisitor and under it a naked sword, and a balance, or the scales of justice. Commander may wear around his neck a golden chain, from which hangs ‘‘i-f the cross of the Order; the links of the’~ain are formed of the inter- On the column on the right of the Counselors is inscribed the word laced attributes of the eight fundamental degrees of Masonry, viz.: First, Lenitas; upon the left the word Misericordia. From these two columns Second, Third, Fourth, Fourteenth, Sixteenth, Eighteenth, and Thirtieth. springs a Gothic arch, from the apex is suspended in letters of gold the sacred word of the eighteenth degree. THE JEWEL On the three columns in the south, going from east to west, are the busts of MSoSEs, ZOROASTER, and MINOs, with the names of each inscribed is a Teutonic Cross of silver. on his column. The members are all clothed in black, and wear swords; during a On the columns in the north, also going from east to west are the reception they wear black masks or veils. busts of CoNFucIus, SOCRATES, and ALFRED THE GREAT, with the names of each inscribed on his column. TO OPEN In front of the President is a table, on which are the Square and Com- Most Perfect President, ascending the throne, knocks +. passes, the Plumb and Level, an hour-glass, a skull and cross-bones, and a small pair of Scales, a naked Sword, and the Book of Constitutions. Al. P. Pres.—Illustrious Senior Counselor, the obligations of In the center of the room are ten lights, in the East ten, and in the duty are eternal to good Masons. See, Brother Pursuivant, that the West ten; each ten being arranged in the form of the Tetractys. doors of this Supreme Tribunal are safely guarded, and give orders that none be allowed to enter without our permission, that we may , , tranquilly perform our duty. To your stations, my brethren.

, , , , All the officers take their stations as per accompanying plan; the members seat themselves in the north and south. The Pursuivant retires, performs his The altar is covered with + black cloth; Jud~e‘s table covered with duty, returns and knocks on the door ++++~ the Sentinel answers the alarm green cloth. from without. TITLES, OFFICERS, AND THEIR STATIONS Pursuivant—Most Perfect President, the doors of the Supreme The~zassembly is styled Supreme Tribunal. Tribunal are safely guarded. The presiding officer is styled Most Perfect President, and sits in Al. P. Pres.—Then we may safely proceed. Most Enlightened the East. Brother Pursuivant, what is your duty 7 The Wardens are styled Counselors or Inspectors, and sit together Purs.—To execute your orders coming to me by the West, and in the West. to see the judgments of the Tribunal du[y executed; to serve and The Secretary (Keeper of the seals and archives) is styled Chancellor, return all processes, and to compel order when the Supreme Tri- and sits on the right of the President. The Treasurer sits on the left of the President. bunal is in session. The Advocate is stationed in the South. M. P. Pres.—Most Enlightened Brother Defender, what is your The Defender is stationed in the North. duty in this Supreme Tribunal ‘~ The Pursuivant is stationed in front of the counselor. Defender—To defend all persons charged with offenses, and All the members of the Supreme Tribunal, except the President, are tried before this Tribunal; to see that no incompetent evidence is styled Illustrious. admitted against them; to present the truth in their defense, and 4”’ -4 ‘-4’

THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE 367 366 THIRTY FIRST DEGREE to urge all circumstances of extenuation or justification in their 4~4~ neither forget nor neglect those that devolve on you. You are now i~he Holy Sanctuary of Eternal Masonic Justice and Equity; behalf. ‘1 let us promise, and most solemnly pledge ourselves to perform, so Al. P. Pres.—Most Enlightened Brother Advocate, what is your far as human frailty will permit, the high duties that devolve upon duty here? us. And now, illustrious brethren, let us implore the aid, the mercy, Advocate—To prefer charges against those who, under jurisdic- and the protection of Him who alone can give us strength to per- tion of this Tribunal, have been guilty of offenses against Masonic form our promise. Let us pray. law and duty. To draft the acts of accusation, prepare the testimony, elicit the truth, and present the whole case fairly without All rise under the sign of the Order. misrepresentation or exaggeration to the Supreme Tribunal. 44 PRAYER Al. P. Pres.—Most Enlightened Brother Chancellor, what is your Hear us with indulgence, 0 Infinite Deity, whose attributes are duty? 4’ infinite, and’ yet infinitely harmonious. Thou, of whose essence all Chancellor—To record the proceedings and judgments of the justice, equity, and mercy intermingle into one infinite excellence. Supreme Tribunal. Thou, to whom all thoughts and all actions of men are known and Al. P. Pres.—Most Enlightened Brother Treasurer, what is your visible as thine own; to whom the infinite past and the infinit’~ duty here? future are one now; and the infinitudes of space in all directions Treasurer—To receive and keep safely the funds of the Supreme are here. Give us the wisdom and the will to judge justly, ac- Tribunal. curately, and mercifully, and when we come to be finally judged M P. Pres.—Most Enlightened Brother Junior Counselor, what bjy Thee, do not Thou judge us as, in our feebleness and passion, is your duty? we may have judged others; but forgive us and take us home to Junior Counselor—To guard against all violations of Masonic ‘‘4 Thee. Amen! law; to give my advice on all proper occasions to the Most Perfect All—So mote it be. President, and to pronounce just and righteous judgments. Al. P. Pres.—lllustrious brethren, Grand Inspector Inquisitor Al. P. Pres.—Most Enlightened Brother Senior Counselor, what Commanders, let us proceed to our labors, that through our exer- is your duty? tions our beloved Order may prosper, and our solemn obligations Senior Counselor—That of my Junior, tempering justice with be complied with; aid me, my brethren, and enlighten me with your equity, and ever remembering the dictates of mercy. counsel. M. P. Pres.—Most Enlightened Brother Senior Counselor, what He then gives the first sign. is the duty of the Most Perfect President? Al. P. Pres.—Order, illustrious brethren. Senii~r Counselor—To preside in judgment, and expound the All give Battery ~ ]aw; to judge justly, and to punish sternly; but, ever remembering the frailty and imperfection of human nature, to pardon and for- Al. P. Pres.—lllustrious Senior Counselor, this Supreme Tribu- give while there yet remains hope of reformation. nal is now open; let due proclamation thereof be made. Al. P. Pres.—Most Enlightened Brother Senior Counselor, what Senior Counselor—Illustrious Pursuivant, make proclamation is the duty of all the members of this Supreme Tribunal, when sit- that this Supreme Tribunal is now open, and that all who demand its judgment may now draw near. ting in judgment? Senior Counselor—Careful and scrupulous investigation of all Pursuivant [Opening the door] —Hear ye! Hear ye!! Hear facts; natural and charitable construction of acts and’ motives; calm ye!!! this Supreme Tribunal of Grand Inspector Inquisitor Com- and deliberate consideration; just judgment, and disregard of per. manders is now open; whosoever hath been cited to appear, or hath sons, influence, rank, and power. complaint or appeal to make or answer, let him draw near, and he Al. P. Pres.—I recognize my duty, my brethren; see that you shall be heard. 368 THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE 369

He then shuts the door. This dialogue is repeated by the Pursuivant and M. P. Pres. within. M. P. Pres. strikes ~. Al. P. Pres.—Illustrious Brother Pursuivant, let the Defender RECEPTION and the Knight Kadosh so vouched for cuter. Purs. [Opening the door] .—It is the orders of the Most Perfect The apartment being arranged, and draped in white, four of the Judges President, you be allowed to enter. and Chancellors in their seats, as per annexed diagram; the other Officers, Guards, and Knights, standing; all robed in black and masked, except the The candidate enters and is conducted by the Def. to a seat on the right Guards and Knights, who are appropriately costumed. Scrolls, writing ma- of the Defender.

terials, hour glass, pair of scales, book of statutes, skull, and one antique lamp “-4 on the table in front of Judges. Grand Chancellor—Most Perfect President, I propose that the vacancy in our Supreme~Tribunal be filled, and if there is no more Al. P. Pres.—Illustrious Defender, you will now repair to the pressing business before us, that we proceed so to do immediately. ante-chamber, and if any Knight be in attendance, and you find Al. P. Pres.—ls it the will of the Illustrious Judges’? him proficient in all the preceding degrees, prepare him in such Judges—Aye. manner as our usages require, and apply for his admission here by Def.—Most Perfect President, I propose, as a suitable candi- the proper alarm. ‘date, to fill the vacancy, our newly-admitted Knight on my right. Def. retires and examines the candidate, invests him with the collar and I believe him to possess all the qualifications necessary to fill that jewel of a Enight Kadosh, conducts him to the door, and knocks +++d~. distinguished station. 1st Knight—I fear that the newly-admitted brother has not suf- Purs.—Most Perfect President, the alarm of a Knight Kadosh ficient experience and practice in the rules and duties of our Order resounds at the door. to be a competent judge of the malefactions of others. Al. P. Pres.—Most Enlightened Brother Pursuivant, ascertain 2d Knight—Most Perfect President, I protest! I understand from whom the alarm proceeds. that the Knight has been accused of having violated some portion Purs. [Opens the door].—Who approaches this Supreme Tribu- of his 0-b-n, voluntarily assumed on the mysterious ladder, by (re- nal, and what is his desire? vealing sign or word, etc.) Def.—A Knight Kadosh, who seeks to obtain the degree of In- Def.—Most Perfect President, rumors and reports are not quisitor Commander, having been examined and found duly qual- proofs; are there any witnesses to prove this accusation? ified, virtuous, upright, and eminent, asks permission to be intro- 3rd Knight—Most Perfect President, a Monk has reported that duced into this Supreme Tribunal. on threatening him, the Knight Kadosh gave him the pass-word of Purs.—What is his name? a Knight. Def.—It is the Knight Brother A. B. Def.—This accusation, Most Perfect President, can be proved PiThs.—What is his occupation? to be false by a pilgrim who was present and with your permission,

Def.—That of —, useful and honorable as all work is in I will undertake to produce the pilgrim, who is now in the neigh- this world. borhood. Purs.—Hath he, by sufficient service and patient obedience as a Permission being granted, the Def. retiree, and returns with pilgrim, to Mason, learned the first lesson in the art of governing? whom the accusation is stated by M. P. President. Def.—IIe hath; he has learned to govern himself. - Pilgrim—Illustrious Sir, I know this worthy Knight, and was Purs.—Is he true and trustworthy? Is he honest, temperate, of witness to the assault made upon him by the Monk of whom you equal temper, charitable of judgment, and of merciful impulses? speak; the Monk first used gentle words and means, and then Def.—He is a Knight Kadosh, and his brethren have thought threats and violence to extort from the Knight some of the secrets of him not unworthy to be admitted here. - his Order, but in vain. After a severe contest the Knight came off Purs.—You will wait the pleasure of the Supreme Tribunal. victorious, having received but a few bruises. 370 THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE TRIRTI-FIRST DEGREE 371 Al. P. Pres.—I]lnstrious Judges, is it your pleasure that the Il- A Kt.—I was Socrates, the Athenian; I knew the holy mysteries, lustrions Knight be admitted to our Supreme Tribunal? Judges—Aye. and reverenced God in nature. In the sacred groves of Athens, I Al. P. Pres.—Illustrions Judges, it appears to be your unanimous taught to young and old that God was one, and the soul of man choice that this Illustrious Knight be admitted as one of your num- immortal. I taught obedience to the laws and decrees of the people ber. There being no further businessbefore this Supreme Tribunal, of Athens, and the council of five hundred. When I sat in the court and thanking you for your counsels, you are dismissed. Illustrious of the Areopagus I swore by the paternal Apollo, by Ceres, and by Brother Defender, you will now present the newly-elected Judge Jupiter the King, that I would sentence uprightly and according before me. to law; or, when the law was silent, to the best of my judgment; and that I would not receive gifts, nor should any other for me; Judges quietly retire; table removed, and lights lit, etc. nor receive - bribes from any passion, prejudice, or affection; nor Al. P. Pres.—Illustrious Knight, you desire to take upon your- allow any other person to do the like by any means, whether direct self an arduous, responsible office. There is but one infallible, un- or indirect, to prevent justice in the court. And when, by an unjust erring Judge. All human judgment is, at best, uncertain; serious in judgment, the same court condemned mc to death I refused to flee its consequences, it must often, when time develops its errors, pro- and escape, lest I should bring the laws into disrepute; holding the duce regret, and sometimes remorse. It is not wise to seek to judge good citizen bound to submit to even the unjust judgment of the our fellow-man; it is a stern duty, and an unwelcome task to be state. If thou wouldst fain become a judge of others, first prepare performed, and not a privilege to he coveted; and woe unto that thyself by learning to obey the laws. man who assumes the prerogative of judgment, and, to some extent, Def. conducts the cand[date to the column of Confucius. nsurps the functions of God, not being himself just, upright, impartial! Does your heart tell you that you may safely assume that A Kt.—I was Confucius, who read and interpreted to the people power? of Ancient China the great laws engraved by the finger of God, in Candidate—It does. everlasting letters, upon the pages of the many-leaved hook of Al. P. Pres.—It is well, Illustrious Knight, if, indeed, you be not nature. I said to them, Desire not for your country any other deceived; go with your guide; heed well the lessons and the warn- benefit than justice; the great law of duty is to he looked for in ings you will receive, and return again to me. humanity. “Justice is Equity,” to render to every man that to which he is entitled. He who would stand above the ordinary level The Def. conducts the candidate once around the Tribunal, and halts at the column of Alfred, when he is addressed as follows: of man must be exempt from prejudices and self-conceit and obstinacy, and be governed by the mandates of justice alone. Hear A Knight—I was the just King Alfred of Saxon, England; I much, reflect much, and say nothing superfluous. Let doubt of frame~I wise laws, made upright judges, independent of my will guilt be acquitted; and presumption of innocence he solid proof. and that of the people, and caused just and speedy judgment to “That is the noblest recompense of human virtue!” Do thou strive he given. In all my realm, justice and right were sold to none; so to live and act; to obey and govern; and thou, too, mayest live denied to none; delayed to none. I slept little; I wrote much; I in the good opinion of men, after thou art dead, and thine influences studied more. I reigned only to bless those over whom I had do- may make thee, too, a king over the minds of men. minion. I have vanished into the thin past, and many ages have marched in solemn procession by my grave, yet I still live in the Def. conducts the candidate to the column of Minos. memory of men. They call me great king, wise law-giver, just A Kt.—I was Minos, the law giver of Crete. I taught the Crc- judge; follow, then, my example, or shudder to sit in judgment tans that the laws which I enacted were dictated by Zeus, the on thy fellow. father; for all true and righteous laws, and alt human justice, are DeE. conducts the cand[date to the column of Socrates. hut developments of that eternal and infinite justice, that is of the essence of Deity. He who assumes to judge his brethren clothes 372 THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE 373 himself with the prerogative of God. “Woe unto thee,’’ if, being pass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him thyself vicious or criminal, thou dost assume to judge. others; and alone. If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Judge 4 still more, if thou givest corrupt judgment; for then will thy not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. If memory be execrated, and in all time it shall be the bitterest re- thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, and if he repent proach to an unjust judge to call him by thy name. forgive him; and if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to the saying, “I repent,” Def. conducts the candidate to the column of Zoroaster. thou shalt forgive him. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall A Kt.—I was Zoroaster, whose words became law to the Persians. obtain mercy. I said, He is the best servant of God whose heart-is upright, who Def. conducts the candidate to the East. is liberal, with due regard to what is just to all men; who turns not Al. P. Pres.—Be seated, my brother. -I- his eyes toward riches, and whose heart wishes well to everything M. of Cer. seats him in front of the M. P. Pres. that lives, He alone is just who is charitable, and merciful in his You have heard the lessons of immortal wisdom, once uttered by judgments; and he alone is wise who thinks well, and not evil, of mortal lips that have long since mouldered into dust. Through other men. Satisfy thine own conscience, and fear neither the out- those lips God spake unto men; for of Him alone cometh all wisdom. rages of fortune nor the injuries of enemies. Crime is not to be You desire to become a member of this Tribunal, and a Supreme measured by the issue of events, but by the bad intentions of the Judge in Masonry. The consistory, satisfied with your capacity and doers. Study, therefore, the dominion of thyself, and quiet thine qualifications, with your impartiality and justice, has, in its wisdom, own commotions, and hold it the noblest ovation to triumph over granted your request. In every case submitted to your judgment, thy passion. and, whether the matter and the parties be Masonic or profane, you Def. conducts the candidate to the column of Moses. must hear affably, deliberate calmly, and yield to no other influ- A Kt.—I was Moses, the leader and law-giver of the Israelites. ences than those~of “Justice and Equity,’’ th& sacred words of this I was initiated into the mysteries and wisdom of Ancient Egypt; degree. Do you feel that it is in your power so to perform those and that wisdom dictated the statutes by which Israel was governed. duties? Rise and answer. Thou shalt take no gift; for the gift bindeth the wise and perverteth The candidate, rising, says: the words of the righteous. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judg- Cand.—I do. ment. Thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the Al. P. Pres.—Go, then, to our holy altar, in charge of our-Illus- person of the mighty. Ye shall hear the small as well as the great. trious Brother, the Defender, and there kneel with sincerity and Ye shall not fear the face of man; for judgment is of God. reverence, with no thought in your heart, and no word upon your lips, but those of soberness and truth. Def. now conducts the candidate to the Counselors, when the Sen. Couns. says: Def. conducts him to the altar, places in his left hand the scales of justice, causes him to kneel on his Left knee, and places his right band on the Sen. Couns.—Thou hast heard the words o~ the great sages, law- Book of Constitutions, Plumb, and Level. givers and philosophers of antiquity. Behold! [Pointing to the M. P. Pres. strikes ~f~H’. Word over his headl, the symbol of the greatest law-giver that Al. P. Pres.—Brethren will form a circle around the Illustrious has ever come among men, and listen reverentially to his teachings. Knight. If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Heavenly All form a circle around him, and each extends his left hand over him, Father forgi~c your trespasses. But if ye forgive men their tres- and at the same time holds the sword in his right. passes, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged. And with what measure Al. P. Pres.—Kneeling at this altar of Masonry, in token of humility, and reverential awe of the Deity, -do you, upon these em- ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. If thy brother tres• ‘1~

374 THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE 375 blems of Divine Truth, of Justice, Equity, Uprightness, and the will give to every one accused the benefit of all reasonable doubt, - II Laws’ dread vengeance, most solemnly and sincerely swear - that and of a charitable and natural construction of his actions? you will never reveal any of the secrets of the degree of Grand Cand.—I do. Inspector Inquisitor Commander to any person, and under any- M. P. Pres. leaves the throne, approaches the candidate, and says: circumstances in the world, unless duly permitted to do so by a 1-i Consistory of Princes of the Royal Secret? Al. P. Pres.—Repeat with me: All this I do swear, expecting that Cand.—I do. God will so judge me as I judge others, and consigning myself to the contempt of my brethren, and their just and terrible anger to Al. P. Pres.—Raise your right hand toward heaven. -~ I~j be visited upon my unprotected head, if I should willfully, or He does so. through indilference, violate this my solemn oath and obligation. Do you most solemnly and sincerely swear that you will care- So help me God! fully examine all cases inwhich you may be judge, listen attentively All—Forgivc us our trespasses, 0 Father, as we forgive those to every argument that may be urged therein, and faithfully and that trespass against us. impartially weigh both evidence and argument; being neither care- 1~ Def. takes the scales from him and places them on the altar, and the M. P. less nor indifferent, partial nor prejudiced, nor wearying of investi- Pres. takes the candidate by the hand and says: gation; with no other purpose than that of giving a true, just, — a equitable, and merciful judgment? Al. P. Pres.—Risc, my brother. Cand.—I do. Candidate rises, and all sheathe their swords. Al. P. Pres.—Do you solcmn]y and sincerely swc~r that you will Brother Defender, you will now divest the candidate of his never sit in judgment in any case where you may eitertain feelings decorations. of enmity or ill-will toward a party therein, or any feeling of Def. does so. prejudice or dislike, nor in any case where, from any cause what- Sir Knight, we divest you of all your decorations, because the ever, you doubt whether you can hear patiently, consider calmly, degree which you are now entering is above all those you have al- and decide impartially? ready received, and in it you enter the judicial and leave the mili- Cand.—I do. tary branch of the Order. Al. P. Th-es.—Do you solemnly and sincerely swear that you will The M. P. Pres. invests him with the collar and jewel, saying: never allow rank, influence, or money to sway you in your judgment; and that, before you, as a judge, all men shall stand on one Al. P. Pres.—I invest you with the white collar and jewel of this common level, to be condemned if guilty, to be acquitted if inno- degree; see that the purity of the former and the lustre of the latter cent? ~ be never sullied or dimmed by injustice, inhumanity, or impurity. Cand.—I do. Al. P. Pres.—Illustrious Defender, invest the candidate with the Al. P. Pres.—Do you solemnly and sincerely swear that you will, signs, token, and words: as a judge, lay aside all pride of opinion, obstinacy, and self-will, * PV.

and be governed absolutely by the dictates of Law, Justice, Equity, ~ S.W. and your own conscience? V. B. Cand.—I do. Def.—Most Perfect President, the candidate is invested with the Al. P. Pres.—Do you solemnly and sincerely swear that you will signs, token, and words of this degree. usurp no doubtful power; that you will strain no law, to make it Al. P. Pres.—Return to the altar, my brother, and kneel. cover cases to which it does not plainly apply; that you will pre- M. P. Pres. strikes +++; leaves his throne, goes to the candidate, places sume every man innocent until he is proven guilty, and that you his hands on the candidate ‘s head, and says: ‘i~ ~ 376 THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE ,N ~j THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE 377 Al. P. Pres.—To the glory of the Grand Architect of the Uni- The President then leaves his seat, goes to the Coffer, and when the Clian- verse, in the name and under the auspices of th~ United Supreme cellar has placed the books and papers therein, both lock it, and each returns to his place and takes his seat. Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General of the thirty-third W~ Formerly, and according to the old rules in this degree the Chancellor and last degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite to was required to draw up the minutes during the sitting of the Tribunal and which this Consistory owes obedience, and by virtue of the powers at the end thereof, he and the President were to sign and lock them up in the Coffer. But tbese formalities, being no longer necessary, and it being very in me vested as the Most Perfect President of this Supreme difficult to draw up the minutes properly during the sitting, it is allowed that Tribunal, I do receive and constitute you, create and acknowledge the rough sketch a such minutes be read by the Chancellor, who afterwards you a Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander aud a member of this draws them up at his leisure, as in the other aegrees. Supreme Tribunal. TO CLOSE M. P. Pres. strikes ~ Al. P. Pres.—Illustrious Senior Counselor, what is the hour for Al. P. Pres.—Go, now, my brother, to the Advocate, receive the rest for true Masons? lecture of this degree. Sen. Couns.—Most Perfect President, the hour when all their a a a a a * - * duties are performed. Al. P. Pi-es. [Striking +] .—Grand Inspectors Inquisitor Com- Al. P. Pi-es.—Has that hour arrived, my brother? manders, if any one has any remarks to offer, for the purpose of Sen. Couns.—As nearly as in this life it ever comes to mortals; enforcing the obligations of Justice and Equity or for the good of- since none perform all their duties, and our Masonic labors end Masonry, the Supreme Tribunal will be pleased to hear him. only at the grave. Al. P. Pi-es.—Most true, my brother; remains there yet any com- If silence prevails. jv plaint unheard, wrong unredressed, or known offense unpunished, Sen. Couns.—Most Perfect President, silence prevails. that requires action from this Tribunal? M. P. Pres.—Grand Inspectors Inquisitor Commanders, the box Sen. Couns.—None, Most Perfect President. of fraternal assistance will now be presented to you. Al. P. Pres.—It is permitted, then, that this Supreme Tribunal Whereupon the Defender presents the box to the Brethren, as in the other shall be closed. Join mc, my brethren, in the concluding cere- degrees. After which, monies. M. P. Pres. strikes ~ M. P. Pres.—Most Enlightened- Brother Chancellor, read the Adv. strikes ~. minutes of this day’s proceedings. Adv.—From all errors and mistakes in opinion and conclusion. The Chancellor reads the minutes, as recorded during the sitting. After which, Jun. Couns. strikes ~ M. Pres.—Grand Inspectors Inquisitor Commanders, if any one Jun. Couns—From all impatience and inattention to evidence has any observation to make in regard to the minutes now read, and argument; from all petulance and peevishness, all carelessness I offer him the floor. and indifference. If silence prevails. Sen. Couns. strikes ~ Sen. Couns.—Most Perfect President, silence prevails. Sen. Couns.—From all partiality and prejudice; from all ob- Al. P. Pres.—The minutes of this day’s labor, as recorded during stinancy, and pride of opinion, and all willful adlicrence to error. our present sitting, are adopted. 4 M. P. Pres. strikes ++++. Whereupon the Chancellor goes with the Book and other Books and papers Al. P. Pres—From all usurpat ions of power and unwarrantable used, if any, to the Coffer containing the Records. There, assumptions of jurisdiction; from all improper influences that per- Chane.—Most Perfect President, I await your pleasure. vert man’s judgment; from all false judgment and intentional in- 378 THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE justice; keep us free, 0 Father, who are to judge us at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. All—And as we judge others, so do Thou in mercy judge us! Amen! THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE Al. P. Pres.—Givc the sign. The brethren all give the answering sign. SUBLIME PRINCE OF THE ROYAL SECRET The President gives the battery. All join him. Al. P. Pres.—This Supreme Tribunal is closed. DIAGRAM OF CONSISTORY I Commander-in-Chief

Treasurer Secretary

/ M. of S Prior Chan. Ilosp

Master of Ceremonies Altar of Incense

Grand Standard Bearer

CAMP

—4 C.ofG. EandA.

First Lieut. Second Licut

Sentinel

DECORATIONS

V Bodies of this degree arc styled Consistories. The hangings are black, strewed with tears of silver, skeletons, death-heads, and cross-bones. In the East is a throne, to which you ascend by seven steps, draped withblack satin, like the hangings, but strewed with flames without tears. [379 1 14

7 380 THIRTY SECOND DEGREE -I., THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE 381 Before the throne is an altar covered with black satin, strewed with tears; The names of the first five are as follows: on it is painted or embroidered a death ‘s-head and two cross-bones; over the death ‘s-head is the letter J and under the cross-bones the letter Al. 1st. Beizaleel for the Standard 2’ On this altar is an English Bible, the Book of Constitutions and Statutes 1- 2d. Aholiab B of the Order, a naked sword, a scepter, and a balance. In the West are 3rd. Mah-S him N the two Wardens. In front of each is a table, covered with crimson 4th. Garimont a cloth, lined and edged with black, and strewed with tears. On each 5th. Amariah U / - cover, in front, are the four letters, N. K-Al. K. On each table ar~ two The names of the others are: naked swords crossed. I 1st. Malachi for the Tent As The ball is divided into two parts by a balustrade. In the West is the Zerubbabel C’ camp of the Princes. 2d.. A 3rd. Nehcmiah L 4th. Joabert C’ 1 OFFICERS AND TITLES 5th. Paleg C’ ‘C x ‘C C’ The Master is styled Illustrious Commandcr~in~Chicf. The two War- 6th. Jehoiada N N ‘4 dens, Lieutenant Commanders; and the Orator or Nlinister of State. Be- 7th. Aholiab C’ CC 0 ‘C C’ side these officers, there is a Chancellor, Secretary and Keeper of the V 8th. Joshua N ‘C ‘C Seals and Archives, Treasurer, Engineer and Architect, Hospitater, 11th. Ezra 1 Master of Ceremonies, Captain of the Guard, Standard-Bearer, arid The Camp is a nonagon, enclosing a heptagon, which encloses a penta- Sentinel. gon, and that an equilateral triangle, and that again a circle. On the sides of nonagon arc nine tents with a flag, pennon, and letter to each. THE CAMP fBI?’ Each tent represents an entire camp, and the several sides of the nonagon arethus assigned by the rituals to theMasons of the several degrees from Between the stations of the Lieutenant Commanders and the Altar A is a tracing board or floor-cloth representing the Masonic Camp. It is the first to the eighteenth, as follows: pictured as follows: 8.—Flag and pennon white, sprinkled lightly with crimson. That tent indicates the camp of the Knights Rose Croix and Knight of the East and West, eighteenth and seventeenth degrees. The commander, Malachi. A.—Flag and pennon light green. That tent indicate&lhe camp of the Knights of the East or Sword and Princes of Jerusalem, fifteenth and sixteenth degrees. The commander, Zerubbabel. L.—Flag and pennon red. That tent indicates the camp of the Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Mason, fourteenth degree. The commander, Nehemiab. 1.—Flag and pennon black and red. That tent indicates the camp of the Knights of the Royal Arch and Grand Master Architects, thirteenth and twelfth degrees. The commander, Joabert. X.—Flag and pennon black. That tent indicates the camp of the Sub- lime Knights Elected, Elect of Fifteen and Knights Elect of Nine, eleventh, tenth, and ninth degrees. The commander, Paleg. N.—Flag and pennon red and black, in diamonds. That tent indicates the camp of the Intendants of the Building, eighth degree. The commander, Jehoiada. 0.—Flag and pennon red and green. That tent indicates the camp of the Provost and Judges and Intimate Secretaries, seventh and sixth degrees. The commander, Aholiab. ZV.—Flag and pennon green. That tent indicates the Camp of Perfect Masters and Secret Masters, fifth and fourth degrees. The commander, THE CAMP Joshua. 382 THIRTY.SECOND DEGREE THIRTY.SECOND DEGREE 383 1.—Flag and pennon blue. That tent indicates the camp of the Mas- S OPENING OF THE CONSISTORY teis, the Fellow-Crafts and Apprentices of Symbolic Masonry and Vol- unteers, third, second and first degrees. The commander, Ezra. t Ill. Commander-in-Chief strikes + with the pommel of his sword. First On each of the external sides of the pentagon is a standard, each des- Lieutenant stribes + with the pommel of his sword. Second Lieutenant strikes ignated by a letter, and each supposed to indicate the camp of a corps of + with the pommel of his sword. Masons, Occupying a side of the pentagon, viz.: Ill. 0.-in-ft—Illustrious Captain of the Guard, see that the Sen- T.—Fie]d purple; on it the Ark of the Covenant in gold, between two tinels are stationed, and advise them that we are about to open tiPs green palm trees, or two lighted candlesticks of gold. Motto at the base. Consistory, that they may allow no one to approach who liath not “Laus Deo.” Around this standard are stationed the Knights Kadosh and the Grand Scottish Knights of Saint Andrew, thirtieth and twenty- the words and signs of a Prince of the Royal Secret. ninth degrees. Standard-Bearer, Bezaleel. N The C. of 0. retires, executes the order, returns and salutes. B—Field blue; on it is a golden lion, holding in his mouth a>key of C. of G.—Illustrious Commander-in-Chief, the Sentinels are sta- gold, and a gold collar around his neck, with the figures 525 on the collar. Miotto a1 the base, “Gus tos Arcani,” and in some rituals, “Ad Majorem Dei tioned, and duly instructed. We are secure against intrusion. Gloriam”—thc latter is the motto of the Jesuits. Around this standard Ill. C.-in-O.—Illustrious First and Second Lieutenant Command- arc stationed the Knights of the Sun, the Commanders of the Temple and ers, it is not enough for us to be protected; we must also be certain the Princes of Mercy, twenty-eighth, twenty-seventh, and twenty-sixth that none but friends are gathered under our colors. Visit the degrees. Standard-Bearer, Aholiab. several camps; inspect the severa[ corps of the army and satisfy N.—Field white; on it is a flaming heart, with black wings, crowned yourselves that no spy or enemy has intruded himself among us. with a green laurel wreath. Motto at the base, “Ardens Gloria Surgit.” Around this standard are stationed the Knights of the Brazen Serpent, Order, Sublime Princes. the Princes of the Tabernacle and Lhe Chiefs of the Tabernacle, twenty- All rise under the sign of the Order, form Two Columns, one in the North fifth, twenty-fourth, and twenty-third degrees. Standard-Bearer, Mah- and the other in the South, and face the East. The two Lieutenants leave Shim. their stations, and proceed from West to East, one on the right, the other on the left, to receive the sign and pass-words of a Sublime Prince from each G.—’Field green; on it is a black eagle with two heads, with an member present. Beginning from the West, the First Lieutenant in the North, in imperial crown of gold resting on both heads; holding his dexter claw and the Second Lieutenant in the South, by approaching tiTh brethren in suc- a sword, point in base; and in his sinister claw a bloody heart. Motto cession and touching each on the shoulder, the brother (who is touched) then at the base, “Corde Gladjo Potens.” Around this standard are stationed facing about to the West gives the sign and word, then about face to the East, the Princes of Libanus and the Knights Noachite or Prussian Knights, resuming his former position. U any brother cannot give the sign and woi d twen1y-second and twenty-first degrees. Standard-Bearer, Garimont. of a Sublime Prince, the Lieutenant Commander, so informed, will direct the U.—FieId gold; on it is a black ox. Motto at the base, “Omnici Tempus brother to repair to the altar, asking his name, and also inquiring if any known brother present can vouch that he is a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret of the Ala.” Around this standard are stationed the Masters Ad-vitam and the thirty-second degree. If not vouched for he will be sent to the ante-room in Grand Pontiffs, twentieth and nineteenth degrees. Standard-Bearer, charge of the Ill. Capt. of the Guard, who will leave hun, and return, when the Amariah. Consistory is opened, and not until then. If he is vouched for the sign and word are communicated to him by the First Lieutenant Commander. If not a CLOTHING member, and not vouched for, the Master of Ceremonies and 0. Engineer ~vi11be sent to examine him; if he proves himself to be a Sublime Prince of the Royal The Illustrious Commander-in-Chief is clothed in the prescribed cos- Secret, they will give him the sign, word, etc., and return with him to the tume of the 320 and the jewel of his office. On the table, in front of Consistory, when he will give it to the Second Lieutenant Commander. When him, lie his scepter and balance. the sign and word have been received from all, the two Lieutenants ~vi11return Neither the officers except the Commander-in-Chief, nor members to their stations. when in costume wear any apron, but only the cap and jewel of the Order. The Jewel is a Teutonic Cross of gold. 2d Lieut.—Illustrious First Lieutenant Commander, there is no The Apron of the Commander-in-Chief is white, satin or velvet, lined, spy or enemy in my camp. and edged with black; on the flap is embroidered a double-headed eagle. 1st Lieut.—Jllustrious Commander-in. Chief, there is no spy or In the middle of the apron is embroidered the plan of the camp of the enemy among us. We have met none but friends and brethren, Princes. ready to act as soon as the signal is given.

JJ 384 THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE 385 Ill. C.-in-0.—Be seated, Sublime Princes. Ill. C.-in-0.—Illustrious Captain of the Guard, advance and re- AH resume their seats. ceive the watch-word of the day. lii. C.-in-C.—Jllustrious First Lieutenant Commander, at what The 0. of G. advances to the throne, and receives from the Ill. C.-in-C. the hour are we to act? watch-word and countersign; he then gives the watch-word ~o each member, 1st Lieut.—At the fifth hour after sunset, Illustrioua Corn- each ~rettirning him the answer; the C. of ~. then takes his station, bringing mander-in-Chief. his sword to present. Ill. C.-in-C.--—And for what reason, Illustrious Brother, can we 0. of G.—IllustrioLls Commander-in-Chief, all the members pres- not act before? ent have the watch-word. 1st Lieut.—Illustrious Commander-in-Chief, because, if our ac- Ill. C.-in-0.----Order, Sublime Princes. tions were premature, our enemies might learn,, and defeat the plans we have formed for the regeneration of humanity. OFFICIAL DECLARATION All give the battery. At this moment a brother in the ante-room ~trike~ + ~ on ~ drum, imitating the report of a cannon. Ill C.-in-C.—-Be seated, Sublime Princes. Ill. C.-in-C.—-Illustrious Second Lieutenant Commander, what is All are seated the hour? 2d Lieut.—Illustrious Commander-in-Chief, the gun has just RECEPTION fired and tells that five hours have elapsed since sunset. When the Consistory is prepared to proceed with the reception, the Master Hi. C.-in-L7.—Then the hour for action has come, and as a]l is of Ceremonies retiree to the ante-chamber, where the candidate is prepared by ready in both your camps, Sublime Princes, First and Second Lieu- being dressed in the insignia of an Inquisitor Commander, and ;~ examined as to his proficiency in the two preceding EL—h degrees. The M. of C. gives tenant Commanders, inform your brave companions that I shall the alarm of an I. Inq. Corn. ~ proceed to perform my duty. 1st Lieut.—Valiant companions of my camp, the Illustrious Com- Ni. 0.-in-0.—I1 lustrious First Lieutenant Commander, ascertain mander—in- Chief informs you that he is about to proceed to perform the cause of the alarm. Ill. F. Lieut. C.—Illustrious Captain of the Guard, ascertain the his duty. cause of the alarm. 2d Lieut.—Valiant companions of my camp, the Illustrious Com- mander-in-Chief informs you that he is about to proceed to perform The C. of G. knocks ~ opens the door, and says: his duty. C. of G.—Brother Master of Ceremonies, who comes here? Ill. 0.-in-C. rises. A!. of 0.—A worthy Inspector In quisitor Commander, who de- I1~ 0.-in-C.—Order, Sublime Princes. sires to receive the last secrets of the Ancient and Accepted Rite of All rise under the sign of the Order and repeat th6 Lord’s Prayer, the Masonry. Prior leading. 0. of G.—Has he well considered and understood the lessons Ill. C.-in-C. strikes + with his sword, as before, and ~a~s; which he has received in the preceding degrees? Ill. C.-in-C.—”Salix.” M. of 0.—He has. 1st Lieut.—’ ‘Noni. C. of G.—Is he willing to unite with all his heart in the great cause in which we are engaged ~ 2d Lieut.—’ ‘ Tengu.” Ill. C.-in-0.——Together, Sublime Princes. M. of 0.—He is. 0. of G.—Does le know that none are wanted here but earnest All give the aign, and say three times: and sincere men, unselfish, and whose philanthropy is not a mere Alt—”Laus Deo.” name, but a practical reality ~ M. of 0.—He does, and I vouch for him. p

386 THIRTY~SECO~D DEGREE THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE 387 C. of G.—Let him wait the answer of the Illustrious Commander- in-Chief. the foes of human liberty and human progress? Can you answer - C. of G. closes the door, end approaching the Commander.in.Chief addresses 1’ these questions in the affirmative? him thus: Cand.—I can. Ill. 0.-in-C—Then let your vows be sacred and your promises C. of G.—Illustrious Commander-in-Chief a worthy Inspector made upon the altar of your heart. Illustrious Master of Cere- Inquisitor Commander desires to receive the last secrets of the monies, conduct the candidate to the camp of the Masonic army, Ancient and Accepted Rite of Masonry; one who has well con- and let him study its symbolism. sidered and understands the lessons he has received in the preceding degrees; who is willing to unite with all his heart in the great The M. of C. now places the candidate between the camps and the two L Lieutenants, still facing the C.-in-C. The M. of C. stands with candidate. cause in which we are engaged; who knows that we want none but Then the Master of Ancient Craft Lodge and the Thrice Potent Master place earnest and sincere men, unselfish, and whose philanthropy is not themselves south of altar facing north, while the Most Wise Master, the Soy- a mere name, but a practical reality, and for whom the Sublime ereiga Prince and the Chancellor place themselves north of the altar facing south. Each wears the regalia of his particular office. Prince Master of Ceremonies vouches. Ill. C.-in-C.—We rely with great confidence upon the assurances ~II.of C.—My brother, the thirty-second degree of the Ancient of the Illustrious Master of Ceremonies in regard to the qualifica- and Accepted Rite, which we are now conferring on you, is the tions of the brother. Sublime Princes, I am willing to see this military organization, as the thirty-first degree is the judicial brother introduced among us, because we cannot enlist too many organization of the Order. The Camp which you are approaching champions of our sacred cause. The Illustrious Master of Cere- and its several parts are all symbols, the meaning of which we will monies has vouched for him; we are therefore authorized to be- endeavor to explain to you. The external lines of the camp form a lieve that he will do Masonry good service in the war which she V nonagon, or a figure of Geometry with nine equal sides. You per- is waging against the ancient enemies of the human race; but he ceive that on each side of the nonagon is a tent with a flag and cannot be admitted here without your sanction. If you assent to pennon; that each flag and its pennon are of a different color from his admission, signify it by the usual sign. the others, and that each tent is designated by a letter. SEach represents a camp and the several sides of the nonagon are the Masons Assent being given: of the different degrees. The nonagon also encloses a heptagon, Ill. C.-in-C.—Illustrious Captain of the Guard, remove the bar- V within whose lines is a pentagon which in turn encloses a triangle in rier, and let them enter. the center of which is a circle. Thus do we find the mystic numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9, all emanating from the circle of infinity, and as these The candidate is introduced, and placed before the altar facing the Ill. C.-in-C.~ numbers symbolize Divine attributes, and Masonic principles, so should Masonic Labor emanate from Divine love, be directed by Ill C.-in-C.—My brother, the cause to which you desire to devote Divine wisdom, and be exercised in Divine power for the blessing yourself is a noble one. Their devotion to it has made all the great of men and the glory of God. The third emanation from Infinity patriots and philanthropists of all ages of the world illustrious, and is denoted by the pentagon, each angle of which represents a di- their names and memories the richest inheritance of the human race. vision of the Scottish Rite Army. Take heed while their attributes It is most honorable in you to seek to follow their example, and so are now rehearsed. to be the benefactor of your kind. He is of poor ambition who M. of C. at first angle of camp, and facing candidate: does not long to do some good, that shall last beyond the limits of his own briei~ life. Are you ready, now and always hereafter, to Al. of C.—The first angle represents the Symbolic Lodge wherein obey the lawful orders of this Consistory, and to peril your life in are given the first lessons in Masonry. The Entered Apprentice is the greatbattle that is to be fought against the enemies of God and the physical man admonished to labor; The Fellow Craft is the intellectual man in whom knowledge is joined to physical power as 4 THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE 389 THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE ‘ii 388 private conduct, devotion to truth, are the attributes of a Prince science directs energy; the Master Mason is the triune man in whom ~—11’ of Jerusalem. physical and the spiritual is united with the intellectual and whose The Sovereign Prince takes his place at the side of the cnndidate. works are eternal, because eternal love inspires intelligent labor. — Soy. Prince—Ill. Commander-in-Chief, I here declare as Sov- The Master takes a place at the side of the candidate. ereign Prince of a Council of Princes of Jerusalem, Ancient and Norz: It is recommended that the avonchments far the candidate in the Accepted Scottish Rite, that this brother has withstood temptation various degrees here following, be made by present, or past presiding officers in I and has kept his trust. He has labored with the sword of vigilance the Houses conferring those degrees, if there be such withia the membership of the Consistory. ‘Ii in one hand and the trowel of steadfast purpose in the other. He is a Prince of Jerusalem. Al. ofAn. Cr. L.—Ill. Commander-iwChief; I here declare as a Soy. Prince bows and takes his seat. Worshipful Master in Ancient Craft Masonry that this brother ~as 41 been raised a Master Mason, has dedicated himself at the altar of fri. of C. at fourth angle of camp. Masonry, and has been inspired by the Master’s word. He is a worthy Master Mason. Al. of C.—The fourth angle represents the Chapter of Knights Rose Croix. Here the light promised to man from ancient times Master bows, returns to seat. shines in all its glory. The love which gives eternal life is re- M. of C. at second angle of camp and facing candidate: vealed. Faith, Hope and Charity are the pillars of the spiritual

temple. The new law C C Peace on earth, good will to man,” is pro- Al. of C.—The second angle represents the Lodge of Perfection. claimed and men learn to CCLOve one another.” Herein are taught those duties toward our brother whose perform- The Most Wise Master of Rose Croix takes a place at the side of the ance leads steadily toward a knowledge of God. We learn that candidate. selfish endeavor defeats itself and debases the man who engages in it. We are taught that by united labor foy the good of all Al. W. Alaster—Ill. Commander-in-Chief, I here declare as Most Humanity is advanced toward the ineffable mystery wherein all Wise Master of a Chapter of Rose Croix, Ancient and Accepted should be perfect. Scottish Rite, that this brother has followed the Light. ~He has learned the new law. He knows that good will overcome evil, that The Thrice Potent Master takes his place at the side of candidate. life eternal will conquer death, that through love our brotherhood T. Potent Alaster—Ill. Commnnder-inChief, I here declare as is everlasting. He is a Knight Rose Croix. Thrice Potent Master of a Lodge of Perfection, Ancient Accepted M. W. Master bows and returns to his seat. and Scottish Rite, that this brother has labored for the upbuilding of thd’ temple; he has guarded its treasures and delved into its M. of C. at fifth angle of camp. mysteries. He has studied the ineffable symbols. He is a Grand Al. of C.—The fifth angle represents the Kadosh. By impressive Elect Mason. ceremonies have been taught the lessons that the future is heir to The Thrice Potent Master bows, and takes his seat. the present; that the light of Masonry should illumine the dark- “I ness of the world; that labor is noble; that all worship is Holy M. of C. goes to the third angle of the camp. when prompted by a devout heart; that God is found through Al. of C—The third angle represents the Council of Princes of service to man; that from God comes all good and to God all good Jerusalem. Here is taught the power of truth to release the captive should return in loving oblation. Finally, that as all men are sons of error and to rebuild the temple of human happiness when as- of God, so should men be brethren working together for good. sailed by ignorance and vice from within or by injustice and op- Chancellor of Knights Kadosh takes his place at the side of candidate. pression from without. Fidelity to trust, honesty in public and THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE 391 390 THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE Chancellor—Ill. Commander-in-Chief, I here declare as Chan- their noble project of uniting all Masons of all rites and degrees cellor of Knights Kadosh and Grand Inspector Inquisitor~ Com- together over all the earth; for the purpose of producing peace, mander, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, that this brotller has harmony and concert; of action within the Order, and of putting an studied the lesson of the ages, he has borne his .iVlasonic light into end to strife and dissension (religious and political), war and per- the world, he has sought so to serve his generation that the future secution throughout the world. I furthermore promise and ~wear may be better because he haa lived. He has venerated the worship that, in order to be able toserve the Order and mankind, I will, both of devout souls. He seeks to know God by loving his creatures. in and out of the Consistory, behave and demean myself as a Mason He is Kadosh, consecrated to God in service to his fellow men. should, worthy of being honored, by being associated in so noble and glorious a work of making this world a temple fit for the abid- Chancellor bows, and returns to seat. ing place of t;he Grand Architect of the Universe, that nothing in In. G.-in-G.—Illustrious Master of Ceremonies, let the Inspector my conduct or demeanor may in the least reflect discredit on this Inquisitor Commander advance in front of the camp, and face the Consistory or on Masonry, nor tend to destroy or diminish my East. own capacity and power of doing good. The M. of C. then places the candidate before the altar. So help me God! and enable me to keep this vow. Amen. The Iii. C.-in-C. leaves the throne, advances to the altar, and says: IU. C.-in-C.—Rise, my brother; you have still a solemn duty to perform, by certain journeys, symbolical of the warfare you are Ill. C.-in-C.—lVIy brother, if- you would advance further, you / ~ hereafter to wage against t;he chief foes of human progress. You must assume the obligation of this degree, that you may be certain will thus give us the most solemn p [edges of your sincerity and that we are all bound to you by ties as strong as those that will resolution, and prove to us that you recognize God as our common bind you to us. Kneel at; our altar, lay your hands and sword upon Father, and all men as his children. the Book of Constitutions, and repeat after me: The Ill. C.-in-C. returns to his station. He kneelB as directed, and repeats the Ill. C.-in-C.—Be seated, Sublime Princes! My brother, be pre- OBLIGATION —I pared. Remember that we shall accept each journey as your most

I, , o~my own free will and accord, in the presence of the solemn pledge given to us in the sight of God, that the enemy of Grand Architect of the Universe, and this Consistory of Sublime humanity, against whom you symbolically march, you will ever Princes of~ the Royal Secret, do hereby and hereon most solemnly hereafter war against, with all lawful weapons and by all legiti- and sincerely vow and swear, under all the penalties of my former mate means. obligations in Masonry; that I will never directly or indirectly At this moment; five guns are heard. reveal or make known to any person or persons whomsoever, any, Ill. C. .in-C.—My brother, you have heard the signal; the hour even the least of the secrets of this degree, unless to one duly has come when you must march upon the first of those campaigns qualThed and entitled to receive t;hem; and to such persons only which every true Mason and Prince must ever be ready to make after due and strict trial, or sure information. I furthermore vow for the relief o f~ his suffering brethren. You are inexperienced, and swear that I will be governed by, and in my conduct conform and will need a guide, and we entrust you to our tried brother, the to, the statutes of this or any other Consistw~y to which I may Master of Ceremonies, who has been with you from the beginning. belong, and by, and to, those of the Supreme Council of the thirty- third degree, under whose jurisdiction I may reside, so far as the The Ill. C.-in-C. now leaves the throne and approaches the candidate. same may become known to me. I furthermore promise and swear Ill. C. -in-C.—Give me your sword, my brother. unswerving loyalty to my country and obedience to its laws. I Candidate hands him his sword. furthermore promise and swear that I will cordially, heartily and A sincerely unite with the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret in Ill. C. -in-C.—My brother, a sword is a common weapon, worn 392 THIRTY-SECOND DEOREE THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE 393 alike by oppressors and their victims; before we return yours, it At this moment four guns are heard. and yourself must be purified; for a Prince and Commander in Ill. C.-in-C.—The signal is again given; courage, my brother, and Masonry must have none but pure motives, nor ever use his weapon march upon your second campaign, and we will in silence offer up except to protect the weak and the oppressed, and to keep within —-4 our prayers for your success. the bounds of law, if not of Justice and Equity, those who still re- The M. of C. conducts him four times around the camp, and again halts, tam usurped powers. Do you swear so, and only so, to use it? facing the C.-in-C. Cand.—I do. M. of C.—Illustrious Commander-in-Chief, the Inspector In- The Ill. C.-in-C. now conducts the candidate to the brazen sea, dips his V ~V(V~V right hand in the water and wipes it with a napkin; he then dips his sword quisitor Commander has returned in safety from his second cam- in the water, wipes it, and hands it to the candidate. paign. lit. C.-in-C.—My brother, the formidable enemies against whicll Ill. C.-in-C.—My brother, you are now purified by your oath, and Masonry has to contend are Superstition, Fanaticism, Despotism by this water, which, with all our ancient oriental masters, was and Ambition; also the love of wealth and greediness for gain. an emblem of purity, both of body and soul. Your sword is also Your struggles being over, -aud victory having crowned you with its without spot or stain, because the arm that wields it will hencefor- laurels, their purity unstained by a single drop of blood, you will ward be guided by justice and true honor alone. take possession of your patrimony. Illustrious Master of Cere- The Dl. C.-in-C. returns to the throne, and one gun is heard. Ill. C.-in-C. monies, invest the Inspector Tnquisitor Commander with the sign, strikes 1-”f.. pass-words and sacred words of the thirty-second degree. pv. Ill. C.-in-C.—Order, Sublime Princes! Proceed on your journey, SW. my brother, with the Illustrious Master of Ceremonies, whose experience will guide you. During your journey we will pray for you. M. of C.—Illustrious Commander-in-Chief, the Inspector In- quisitor Commander is invested with the sign, passwords and Before the candidate commences his journey, prayer is offered by the Prior: sacred words of this degree. PRAYER Ill. C.-in-C.—My brother, before you went forth on your first campaign we purified your heart by a solemn oath, and we also Kind and Indulg~t Father of the great family of men! Su- purified your hand and sword by water, the emblem of purity. preme Intelligence, author of Life and Light! aid us in our efforts You need to be still further purified, by fire and incense. Do you to make this world more worthy of Thee, and bless with thy favor consent to submit to this trial? our brother who marches to restore to light those who have for- Cand.—I do. gotten Thee and thy truth! For the infinite love Thou bearest to The C.-in-C. now leaves the throne, goes to the altar of incense, and says: thy s~ffering children aid him and us in our warfare against ignorance, and against those who mislead, impose upon and deceive Ill. C.-in. C.—Advance, my brother. thy people; and make the light of thy knowledge shine in all the Candidate approaches the altar, and the C.-in-C. passes the candidate’s right corners of the earth. Amen! hand one and four times over the fire while repeating: Al. of C. Illustrious Commander-in-Chief, the Illustrious — Ill. C.-in- C.—This right hand and arm are purified, and devoted Brother has returned in safety from his first campaign. Ill. C.-in-C.—My brother, the first enemy that we have to con- to Justice and Equity forever. Give me your sword, my brother.

tend against is C ‘Ignorance.” It is the child of Despotism, and Candidate hands him his sword, and the C.-in-C. passes the hilt one and the capital of the demagogue. Let us, then, labor to eradicate ig- four times over the fire while repeating: norance, and to expose those who deceive and delude the people; Ill. C.-in-C.—In like manner I sanctify this sword! Symbol of and our Father in Heaven will smile upon our efforts. Truth and Honor, may it hereafter be drawn in their cause alone; THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE 395 394 THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE and if sword or hand or arm ever hereafter desert that service, let to the Orient, there to be received and constituted a Sublime Prince one be broken and the other be accursed! Having been thus puri- of the Royal Secret. To order, my Brethren! fied, your trials are ended. All rise under the sign of order, and form themselves in a circle round the new Prince, who has been conducted by the five steps to the foot of the Thione. The Dl. C.-in-C. now returns to the throne. There he kneels. Ill C-in-C.—Be seated in front of the East, my brother! We Ill. C.-in-C.—In the name of God, and under the auspices of will hereafter give you such hints as to the symbolic meaning of the United Supreme Council of the A. and A. S. Rite of Free and the Camp of this degree as shall place you on the track to investi- Accepted Masons, to whom we owe allegiance, and with the con- gate its full meaning for yourself. For the present we content our- sent and sanction of the Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret here selves with indicating one obvious lesson which it was meant to present, and by virtue of the powers with which I am invested, as teach, and the key to which is found in the meanings of two of the Commander-in-Chief of this Consistory, I do receive and constitute words of the degree. you a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, to the end that you may have and enjoy all the rights, franchises, privileges and preroga- PIJALALKOL, it is said, means SEPARATED. Separated—as tives appertaining to the degree and dignity now conferred on you. Alasons have been for many years, by intestine dissensions, the jealousies of rival Rites, and the efforts of illegitimate Bodies to exercise C.-in-C. then strikes +++++ light blows on the shoulders of the new usurped power. Separated—as Alankind has been for ages, by differ- Prince. After which, ences of religious belief, by the ambition and interests of kings, by Ill. C.-in-C.—Rise, my Brother. natural lines or mere imaginary boundaries that have made one Ill. C.-in-C.—I congratulate you, my Brother, for myself and in people haters of another, and kept the world miserable with wars. the name of this Consistory, on your reception as a Sublime Prince Separated—as Alen have been from Truth and Knowledge, by the of the Royal Secret, and on your admission as a member of this arts and craft of the scheming and selfish ministers of the Altars of Body; and I beg you to accept our sincere assurances of brotherly Religion. Separated—as Alan has been from God, by his passions affection and esteem. Be seated! and his vices, as well as his ignorance; TO CLOSE THE CONSISTORY And PIJARASKOL, it is said, means REUNITED; that UNION of C.-in C. raps + with the pommel of his sword. First and ~econd Lieu- Masons, of all degrees, of which the Camp is the apt and fitting tenants, in succession do the same. symbol, to accomplish the great euffs of Masonry; to heal all dissensions within, and produce peace and harmony without; to recon- Ill. C.-in-C.—Illustrious First and Second Lieutenants, inform cile all Rites and make toleration and charitable judgment univer- the Princes that this Consistory will hear any remarks they may sal to elevate the masses of Mankind, and teach them their true have to offer for the interest of this Body or of the Order in general. interesi~ to substitute Equality and Brotherhood in the place of lfl. First Lieut.—Sublime Princes and Companions of my camp, despotic Powe~\and usurped Privilege; to dethrone Anarchy and the Illustrious Commander-in-Chief informs you that this Con- License, and canonize Law and Order; and in the place of the sistory will hear any remarks you may have to offer for the interest smoking altars of Fanaticism and Superstition, of Bigotry and Sec- of this Body or the Order in general. tarianism to set up those of True Masonry, garlanded with flowers, Ill. Second Lieut.—Sublime Princes, etc. and sending up toward Heaven, mingled with the perfumes of their If no one in his camp wishes to address the Consistory, incense, the thanks and gratitude of the Human race to a Bene- ficent Father who lovetli ALL the children He has made. Ill. Second Lieut.—Illustrious First Lieutenant, silence prevails in my camp. Illustrious Brother Master of Ceremonies, conduct our Brother And if silence also prevails in his camp, 396 THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE

!U. First Lieut.—Illustrious Commander-in-Chief, s[lence pre- THIRTY SECOND DEGREE 397 vails in both camps. we ought to feel toward Him, let us adopt the expressive symbol Ill. C.-in-C.—Illustrious First and Second Lieutenants, inform the Princes that the box of fraternal assistance is about to be pre- of our Ancient Brethren, and offer Him the perfumes of the purest incense. sented to them. Ifl. First Lieut.—Sublime Princes and Companions of my camp, Ill. C.-in-C. strikes ~ the Illustrious Commander-in-Chief informs -you that the box of Ill. C.-in-C.—Order, Sublime Princes! fraternal assistance is about to be presented to you. Ill. C.-in-C. now leaves the throne, goes to the altar of incense, I [glits it, Second Lieut.—Sublime Princes, etc. and says: M. of C. then takes the box of fraternal assistance to each member, begin- Ill. C.-in-C.—Let us pray: ning with the C.-in-C., First and Second Lieutenants, etc. When this is done, the C.-in-C. orders the M~. of C. to hand the contents of the box to the Hospitaler. PRAYER

The C.-in-C. raps ~, with the pommel of his sword. The First and Second Prior—Our Father, who art present everywhere in the Universe Lieutenants do the same in succession. that thou hast made, and whom we know to be now here among us, Ill. C.-in-C.—Sublime Prince, First Lieutenant Commander, teach us to love Thee reverently, to serve Thee worthily, to have what remains to be done? faith in Thy Goodness and Wisdom and hope in the future destiny First Lieut.—] llustrious Commander-in-Chief, nothing that we of Man! May Thy Kingdom of peace and brotherly love in Thy can now do to advance the great object of the Order. good time come upon this Earth; and while we wait for it, make Ill. C.-in-C.—Since nothing remains to be done that we can now us patient, and enable us sincerely to say, “Thy wi[l be done on do, and our daily labor is complete, Sublime Princes, First and Earth as it is in Heaven!” Give us this day, and all the days of Second Lieutenant Commanders, inform your valiant companions our life, increase of that knowledge and virtue which are the spirit- in your respective camps that it is my intention to close this Con- ual bread of the Soul; and if anyone wrong or harm us, enable us to sistory. forgive them, that we may without shame ask Thee to forgive us First Lieut.—Sublime Princes of my camp, the Illustrious Com- as we forgive our Brethren! Give us courage and patience, and let mander-in-Chief informs you that it is his intention now to close us not yield to temptation nor fall into despair! Keep us from this Consistory. the commission of all wrong and evil; for we are Thy feeble, erring Second Lieut.—Sublime Princes of my camp, the Illustrious children, ever needing Thy support and Thy forgiveness! Accept Commander-in-Chief informs you that it is his intention now to the expression of our Love, our Gratitude and Adoration, and con- close this~onsistory. tinue to bless, protect and prosper us! Amen! Ill. C)in.C.—Sublime Princes, let us not, like ungrateful chil- The III. C.-in-C. thex throws a few grains of incense into the fire, returns dren, be thankless to our Heavenly ~F&therfor the many blessings to the throne. Ill. C.-in-C. strikes ~, as before which, in His loving kindness, He has bestowed upon us. The poor- First Lieutenant strikes +~ as before. est of us enjoys a thousand blessings, and is quit of a thousand Second Lieutenant strikes ~ as before, calamities, the former of which God could have denied him, and Ill. C. in-C. says, “Salix.” the latter cast upon him. He has enabled us to do some good, and First Lieutenant says, ‘‘Noni.’’ Second Lientenant says, ‘‘Ten gu.’’ by His aid we may hope to do still more; and we approach nearest to Him, when we confer benefits on men. Let Love, Oratitude and Ill. C.-in-C.—Together, Sublime Princes! Adoration ever burn brightly toward our Father in Heaven on the All give the sign and battery, and say, three times, ‘‘Laus Dee.’’ The Ill. altars of our hearts; and as words are powerless to express all that C.-in-C. then makes official declaration and says~ Retire in peace, my Brethren! Obey all the mandates of duty; 398 THIRTY-SECOND DEGREE and hope for the success of our endeavors to benefit Humanity, and for such reward, here and hereafter, as it may please the Infinite Love and Wisdom of God to bestow upon us. Farewell, my brethren; but, before we separate, let us swear not improperly to reveal any of the transactions of this day that ought not to be made known. The Ill. C.-in-C. extends the hilt of his sword; all extend the right hand, and say, ‘‘I swear.’ All retire.

NOTE FOR CEREMONIES INSTALLING THE OFFIICERS OF TIlE CONSISTORY, THE CEREMONIES FOR INSTALLING TIlE OFFICERS OF THE LODGE OP PERFECTION WILL BE USED WITH APPROPRIATE ADAPTATION.

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